Hangzhou, China / Lisbon, Portugal — In a strategic move to meet rising demand for China–Portugal travel, Beijing Capital Airlines has announced a significant enhancement to its 2025/26 winter schedule, adding a third weekly frequency on the popular Hangzhou–Lisbon route. Starting in October 2025, the airline will operate Tuesday flights alongside its existing services, giving passengers more flexibility and better connections during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
Expanded Service Periods for Key Travel Dates
The new Tuesday flights will operate on select peak-demand weeks, particularly around holiday periods and business travel seasons:
- 28 October – 11 November 2025
- 9 December 2025 – 13 January 2026
- 3 February – 10 February 2026
- 24 February – 24 March 2026
With these additions, the Hangzhou–Lisbon route becomes even more attractive to both leisure and corporate travelers, offering more evenly spread flight options across the week.
Updated Winter Flight Schedule
Flight JD621
- Departs Hangzhou (HGH) at 00:30 → Arrives Lisbon (LIS) at 07:20
- Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Return Flight JD622
- Departs Lisbon (LIS) at 09:20 → Arrives Hangzhou (HGH) at 06:50+1
- Alternative schedule: Departs Lisbon at 11:50 → Arrives Hangzhou at 09:20+1
This schedule is designed to connect seamlessly with onward domestic and international connections, making the service ideal for multi-destination itineraries.
China–Portugal Travel: A Growing Corridor
Portugal and China have enjoyed steadily increasing air connectivity over the last decade. According to data from Tourism of Portugal and the China Tourism Academy, Chinese visitor numbers to Portugal have been climbing by double digits annually prior to the pandemic, driven by Lisbon’s appeal as a cultural capital and gateway to Europe.
On the flip side, Portuguese business interest in China—particularly in Zhejiang Province, known for its manufacturing and tech industries—has also been growing. Direct flights between Hangzhou and Lisbon have played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral tourism and trade.
Tourism Impact
Lisbon’s reputation as a UNESCO-listed historic city, combined with its Mediterranean climate, attracts Chinese travelers seeking cultural immersion, culinary adventures, and scenic coastal escapes. The extra weekly service is expected to boost visitor numbers from China, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites in Greater Lisbon.
Hangzhou, famous for its West Lake, ancient tea culture, and proximity to Shanghai, is equally appealing to Portuguese visitors. The improved schedule will make weekend getaways and business trips between the two regions far more convenient.
Business and Trade Benefits
Lisbon’s position as a financial and maritime gateway to the EU, Africa, and Latin America makes it a strategic destination for Chinese investors. The enhanced Hangzhou–Lisbon service will reduce travel time and open new opportunities for participation in trade fairs, conferences, and investment summits.
Portugal is also a member of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which further strengthens trade and infrastructure partnerships. The direct air link supports these initiatives by facilitating faster, more efficient business exchanges.
Part of a Wider European Expansion Strategy
Beijing Capital Airlines’ decision to boost Lisbon services aligns with its broader plan to strengthen long-haul connectivity between China and Europe. The airline, a subsidiary of the HNA Group, has been steadily expanding into European markets, targeting routes with high tourism and trade potential.
Industry analysts note that with the European Union forecasted to recover pre-pandemic inbound tourism levels by 2025 (European Travel Commission data), this is a strategic time for carriers to add capacity on established long-haul routes.
Passenger Experience on the Airbus A330-200
The route is operated by the Airbus A330-200, known for its long-haul comfort and reliability. Passengers can expect:
- Spacious seating in both Business and Economy Class
- Chinese and Portuguese cuisine menus
- In-flight entertainment with multilingual options
- Generous baggage allowance, ideal for long stays or shopping trips
The airline has also invested in sustainability initiatives, with newer aircraft configurations aimed at reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions per passenger.
Looking Ahead
While the Hangzhou–Lisbon expansion is focused on the winter 2025/26 season, Beijing Capital Airlines has hinted at further long-haul additions in the years ahead, potentially targeting other Southern European cities such as Madrid, Rome, and Athens.
The airline’s CEO has emphasized that these expansions are “not just about increasing flight numbers but about deepening cultural and economic bridges between China and Europe.”
Conclusion: A Stronger Air Bridge Between China and Portugal
The addition of a third weekly Hangzhou–Lisbon flight is more than a schedule change—it’s a strategic enhancement of one of China’s most important Europe-bound routes. It will boost tourism flows, encourage business investment, and offer travelers greater flexibility in planning their journeys.
As China–Portugal relations continue to strengthen in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, Beijing Capital Airlines is positioning itself as a key enabler of this growing partnership—making the world a little smaller, one direct flight at a time.
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