Chengdu Airlines is expanding its presence in Russia’s Far East with the launch of new routes from Khabarovsk and the resumption of flights from Vladivostok, further strengthening air connectivity between the region and China.
From 14 July 2026, the Chinese carrier will begin operating regular flights from Khabarovsk International Airport to Harbin and Jiamusi. The new services will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer schedule.
The launch marks a milestone for Khabarovsk Airport, as Chengdu Airlines will become the first airline to bring the Chinese-built Comac C909 aircraft to the airport.
New Routes Expand China Network
The addition of Harbin and Jiamusi further broadens Khabarovsk’s growing network of destinations in China. The airport already offers flights to Beijing, Shanghai and the resort city of Sanya, while new services to Yantai, Beidaihe and Dalian are also planned for the summer season.
Harbin remains one of the most important destinations for travellers in Russia’s Far East. Aurora Airlines currently operates four weekly flights on the route, and the arrival of Chengdu Airlines will increase total frequency between Khabarovsk and Harbin to six flights per week.
According to airport data, international traffic continues to grow strongly. During the first five months of 2026, Khabarovsk Airport handled more than 160,000 passengers on international routes, a 24% increase compared with the same period last year.
China remains the leading international market, with approximately 54,000 passengers travelling between Khabarovsk and Chinese destinations during the period.
“The launch of this new flight programme and cooperation with Chengdu Airlines is an important achievement for our airport,” said Yuri Kondratchik, General Director of JSC Khabarovsk International Airport. “We are pleased to offer residents of the Russian Far East convenient access to two significant Chinese cities while strengthening tourism, business and cultural ties between our countries.”
Vladivostok-Shenyang Flights Resume
Chengdu Airlines has also resumed flights between Vladivostok and Shenyang, one of the largest cities in northeastern China.
The first flight of the renewed service operated on 14 June, reconnecting Russia’s Pacific gateway with the capital of Liaoning Province.
The route operates twice weekly, with departures from Vladivostok on Wednesdays at 01:05 and Sundays at 01:35 local time.
Flights are operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, with a flight time of approximately 90 minutes.
Chengdu Airlines previously served the Shenyang route in 2025, providing both leisure and business travellers with convenient access to northeastern China and onward connections across Asia.
Growing Tourism and Business Links
Shenyang serves as an important transportation hub for travellers heading to destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore and other cities across the Asia-Pacific region.
The city is also a growing tourism destination, known for attractions such as the UNESCO-listed Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhongjie Street, Beiling Park, Benxi Cave and the Liaoning Provincial Museum.
The expansion of Chengdu Airlines’ services reflects increasing demand for travel between China and Russia’s Far East, as both countries continue to strengthen economic, tourism and cultural cooperation through improved air connectivity.
