China and Russia strengthen transport links with new Harbin–Khabarovsk route

China and Russia are expanding air links following the launch of a new direct flight between Harbin and Khabarovsk. It is expected to make cross-border travel more convenient and give new impetus to cooperation between Russia and China in the field of civil aviation, reports Dongbeiwang, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to official data, the regional air transport market continues to develop rapidly. This creates the conditions for an increase in the number of flights and the growth of aviation tourism.

Harbin is one of the largest transport hubs in north-eastern China. Its airport boasts one of the most extensive networks of flights to cities in Russia’s Far East and serves as a key air gateway linking this region with North-East Asia.

It was previously reported that tourist numbers had risen significantly following the introduction of a visa-free regime between Russia and China. According to data from the Heilongjiang General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, between 15 September and 16 March, 232,000 Russian citizens entered the region via its border crossings, which is 61.2 per cent more than during the same period last year.