A direct link to China will now be available year-round from Edinburgh Airport, thanks to Hainan Airlines’ decision to extend its Edinburgh–Beijing service beyond the usual summer schedule. The airline will continue operating twice-weekly flights throughout the winter, making it Scotland’s only permanent direct air connection with China.
This expanded service represents a major milestone for Edinburgh Airport and for Scotland as a whole. Until now, travelers could only fly directly between the Scottish and Chinese capitals from March to October. Starting this year, that seasonal limitation is gone. The flights, operated on an Airbus A330, will continue through the colder months, improving travel and trade access between the two countries.
The move signals Hainan Airlines’ growing investment in Edinburgh and reaffirms the city’s strategic importance in global air connectivity. As part of the VINCI Airports network, Edinburgh Airport has been steadily expanding its international reach, and this announcement marks a significant step forward.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, welcomed the development, saying, “We’ve always been proud of being home to Scotland’s only direct service to China so it’s great to see Hainan making that a year-round route.”
The route not only benefits leisure travelers but also opens doors for closer business, cultural, and academic ties. With China being one of the world’s largest economies, direct access supports opportunities in sectors ranging from tourism to education and commerce.
For Edinburgh, which has a strong academic presence and growing international population, this permanent link enhances its appeal as a global city. And for Hainan Airlines, it reflects a strategy of strengthening ties with key European cities as travel demand continues to recover.
While some international routes remain seasonal or have been cut back in recent years, especially after the pandemic, this expansion by Hainan bucks the trend. It underscores a rising confidence in long-haul travel and Scotland’s role in it.
Passengers can book flights on the airline’s website or through travel agents, with service continuing twice a week. The route also provides convenient connections for travelers heading beyond Beijing to other major Chinese cities and destinations in Asia.
For now, it seems that Scotland’s skies are just a little more open to the world.
