Starting next month, Air China will launch two new routes:

• From March 24, a daily nonstop service between Beijing Capital and Brussels.
• From March 26, a three-times-weekly service between Chengdu Tianfu and Brussels.

In July 2006, Hainan Airlines began the Shanghai–Beijing–Brussels route, the first direct service from mainland China to Brussels, previously the only nonstop air link between China and Belgium.

Hainan Airlines is targeting the Southwest China market with its Chongqing–Brussels route launched on November 22, 2025. This adds another link from Belgium to China alongside existing routes to Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

With these four routes covering the country’s major economic regions, Hainan Airlines has established itself as the leading airline on the Brussels route after two decades of growth.

Other airlines have quickly joined the competition: Juneyao Air also launched its Shanghai–Brussels service in 2024.

Why has Brussels become such a crucial battleground for airlines?

Regarded as the “capital of Europe,” Brussels is the headquarters for both the European Union and NATO, making it a key hub for political, economic, and cultural exchanges between China and Europe.

Moreover, Brussels Airport is a significant secondary hub for the Star Alliance in Europe, offering frequent connections to major cities across the continent and serving as a gateway to Africa with frequent flights to cities like Dakar and Abidjan. It also has strong links to North American destinations such as New York and Chicago, facilitating efficient transfers involving Europe, Africa, and North America.

According to Aviation Flow data, the load factor for return flights on the Shanghai–Brussels route reached nearly 90% in July 2025.