Following the official operation of its third runway at the end of November, Shenzhen Airport launched its 60th international passenger route on December 6. The inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Tawau, Malaysia, took off smoothly in the morning, marking a milestone as the airport's international and regional passenger routes have now fully recovered to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
This year, Shenzhen Airport has introduced or expanded 27 international and regional routes. The newly launched Shenzhen-Tawau route is operated by Zhejiang Loong Airlines using Airbus A320 aircraft. The inaugural flight carried 155 passengers, achieving a seat occupancy rate of 90.6%.
In July, the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia took effect, prompting Shenzhen Airport to open multiple routes connecting Malaysian cities. Tawau, located on the southeastern coast of Sabah, Malaysia, is known for its tropical ecology and marine resources, fostering a unique coastal economy. Facing the Sulawesi Sea, it serves as the gateway to the world-renowned diving and resort destination of Semporna and surrounding islands. The new direct flight will facilitate travel for residents of the Greater Bay Area to explore eastern Malaysia’s tropical island attractions.
This year, Shenzhen Airport has collaborated with airlines such as Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Emirates to launch or expand 27 international routes, including destinations like Mexico City, Male, Tokyo, and Dubai. Its network now covers 60 cities across five continents. Additional routes, such as direct flights to Melbourne, Australia, are set to open this month.
Data shows that in the first 11 months of 2023, Shenzhen Airport handled over 5.7 million international and regional passengers, a 23% year-on-year increase.
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