Flights to Beijing are being resumed by Air China from Gatwick after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The Chinese flag-carrier will operate four flights a week from tomorrow (Saturday), rising to a daily service from April 24.
It will be the first time since early 2020 that flights have run between Gatwick and China following the lifting of Covid travel restrictions.
The service to Beijing Capital international airport also provides onward connections throughout China and more widely across Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
The airline’s return means Gatwick will offer almost 50 long-haul destinations this summer.
Gatwick aviation development vice president Stephanie Wear said: “We are delighted to welcome Air China back to London Gatwick, providing a vital connection between two of the world’s most influential capital cities.
“China is the world’s second-largest economy, so by offering direct flights between London and Beijing, Gatwick is providing an important service to people and businesses across the southeast
“It is also great news for tourism and hospitality across the region. “Chinese visitors are traditionally high spenders so the return of regular flights will help support these sectors, which suffered so badly throughout the pandemic.”