China Southern Airlines will open a new direct flight between Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and Budapest, Hungary, on June 27, enhancing exchanges and cooperation between China and the European nation.

Peter Varfi, consul general of Hungary in Guangzhou, said the new route would help build a convenient air bridge between the two countries that would greatly enrich the air network between southern China and Central European countries and regions.

"It will not only provide more convenient transportation for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries but will also facilitate cultural and tourism exchanges, playing a role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations," Varfi said.

Wang Xu, a China Southern executive, said the airline will actively collaborate with Hungarian tourism administrations and various cultural and tourism partners worldwide to closely monitor changes in market demand, continuously improve service quality and strengthen and expand international cooperation to provide passengers with a more convenient, comfortable and efficient air travel experience in the months to come.

The new direct flights will operate four times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, using a Boeing 787 model, she said.

The flight (designated CZ649) will depart Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 12:55 am, with a flight time of 12 hours and 25 minutes to Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport — landing at 7:20 am local time.

Wang said China Southern would actively engage in multimodal transportation cooperation with international partners and explore more destinations in Europe in coming months.

After arriving in Budapest, passengers can choose to take a partner's flight to cities including Bucharest, Belgrade, Paris and Amsterdam, she said.

The return flight (CZ650) will depart Budapest at 1 pm local time and fly about 10 hours and 55 minutes to arrive in Guangzhou at 5:55 am the next day.

After arriving in the southern metropolis, passengers will be able to transfer to major cities in China and other countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, greatly expanding their travel choices, Wang said.

After the new Guangzhou-Budapest air route begins service, China Southern will have 53 international routes starting from Guangzhou, including 11 routes to Europe, she said.

China Southern's international flights from China to Europe will be increased to 19, she said.

The new air route will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024.