A passenger taking the inaugural Air China Dhaka-Beijing direct flight poses for a photo at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 10, 2024. (Xinhua)

A direct flight linking Bangladeshi capital Dhaka with Beijing was inaugurated Wednesday here in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with an official ceremony.

Bangladeshi Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Muhammad Faruk Khan inaugurated the Air China Dhaka-Beijing-Dhaka direct flight.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the minister said the direct flight from Dhaka to Beijing will add a new dimension to trade expansion between the two countries.

He said the flight is a testament to the friendship, cooperation, development, and growing connectivity between Bangladesh and China.

"As a result of this flight, the people of our country, businessmen and students will be able to travel directly to Beijing. The benefits will also be seen in tourism and other business sectors," said the minister.

"We are thrilled to successfully launch this new route, which underscores the strengthening bilateral relations between China and Bangladesh," said An Ming, country manager of Air China in Bangladesh.

"This new service will not only facilitate travel but also promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between our two countries," An added.

Air China will operate four weekly flights on this route, with services available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.