China-based Chongqing Airlines on January 16 launched a direct service connecting Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, and Hanoi.

The flight departs from Chongqing at 9:15 am (local time) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and returns from Hanoi at 14:45 pm (local time) the same day.

Chongqing Airlines uses Airbus 320 aircraft for the direct route, expecting to welcome on board an average of 150 passengers each flight.

Founded in 2007, Chongqing Airlines operates domestic passenger services in mainland China. It is jointly owned by China Southern Airlines and Chongqing Municipal Development and Investment Company.

In recent years, the airline has expanded its services overseas with flights connecting Chongqing and major cities in the region, including Bangkok, Phuket (Thailand) and Singapore.