Guests attend a ceremony marking the launch of China Eastern Airlines' direct flight between China's capital Beijing and Muscat, in Muscat, capital of Oman, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Chinese Embassy in Oman/Handout via Xinhua)

A ceremony was held on Monday evening to mark the launch of China Eastern Airlines' direct flight between Beijing and Muscat, capital of Oman.

Chinese Ambassador to Oman Lyu Jian said at the ceremony that the opening of the route is the latest measure to implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and will better facilitate exchanges in political and diplomatic affairs, practical cooperation and people-to-people ties.

Li Ye, executive vice president of China Eastern Airlines Group, said the Beijing-Muscat service is an important long-haul route for the airline in expanding its Middle East network this year, and will help facilitate business exchanges, cultural interaction and tourism.

Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi told Xinhua that China is a major outbound tourism market and that the new route will make travel more convenient and attractive, adding that both sides are expected to see an increase in two-way tourism.

A China Eastern aircraft landed at Muscat International Airport on Sunday evening, marking the successful launch of the Beijing-Muscat route.