AviationNews – Air China to commence its first regular flight connecting China and Croatia.
On September 4, 2026, Air China will officially inaugurate a groundbreaking aviation route linking Beijing to Zagreb, with a strategic layover in Bucharest. This unprecedented connection aims to foster stronger tourism, trade, and diplomatic ties between East Asia and Eastern Europe.
The highly anticipated service, operating under flight number CA913, marks the very first regular airline connection between China and Croatia. Scheduled to run three times a week, the new route fulfills a long-standing ambition of both nations to facilitate direct access to the Balkans for Chinese travelers and businesses. The decision to route the flight through Romania’s Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport before completing its journey at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport highlights a broader strategy to efficiently serve multiple growing Eastern European markets simultaneously.
From an operational standpoint, the flights will be serviced by the Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft, configured to carry approximately 260 passengers. The intra-European leg from Bucharest to Zagreb is remarkably swift, clocking in at just one hour and 35 minutes to cover a distance of 497 miles (800 km). By utilizing a multi-stop operational model, Air China maximizes payload efficiency and aircraft utilization on a long-haul journey while simultaneously bridging two prominent European capitals.
“This new route is a major milestone in our European expansion network,” an airline industry representative noted regarding the launch. “By linking Beijing to Bucharest and Zagreb, we are not only providing a vital transit corridor but also unlocking immense potential for cultural exchange, tourism, and bilateral trade across these vibrant regions.”
The introduction of this flight is expected to significantly accelerate the growth of Asian tourism and business investment in Croatia and Romania. As commercial relations deepen, aviation analysts anticipate that consistent demand on this route could eventually pave the way for increased flight frequencies or direct, non-stop services in the future. Local hospitality sectors and international trade boards are already preparing to capitalize on this upcoming influx of global travelers.
Ultimately, Air China’s new tri-city connection represents a vital step forward in international aviation network expansion. When the inaugural flight takes to the skies this September, it will bridge a crucial gap in the market, bringing Eastern Europe and China closer than ever before.