A SCAT Airlines flight bound for Shymkent, Kazakhstan, departed from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport on July 3, making Xi'an the first city in China to achieve navigation to eight cities in five Central Asian countries.

Xi'an adds a direct flight route to Shymkent, Kazakhstan. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

In the first half of this year, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport has served over 78,000 passengers from Central Asian countries with more than 700 flights operated, year-on-year increases of 40 percent and 19 percent, respectively. As an important gateway city in Central Asia, Shymkent is a key node of the Belt and Road Initiative, with a rich history and close trade ties with Xi'an.

The SCAT Airlines flight is ready for take-off. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

Previously, a transfer was required from Xi'an to Shymkent, which took at least 12 hours. The opening of this route will reduce travel time to 5 hours, better meet passengers' travel needs, and further enhance the airport's coverage capabilities as a regional international aviation hub.

Passengers check in at the airport. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

The airport has opened and resumed a total of 58 international passenger routes, including 18 flights per week between Xi'an and Central Asia, building an "Air Silk Road" for economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and Central Asian countries.