Air connections between China and Greece have expanded with the launch of a new direct service between Chengdu and Athens, which will open up possibilities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

The inaugural Sichuan Airlines flight from Chengdu, the capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, touched down on Monday.
The arrival was celebrated in style at Athens International Airport, featuring traditional Chinese performances and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Chinese Ambassador Fang Qiu and Greece's Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

"We feel that this is an important step towards our further connection and bonding with the Chinese people, and our efforts to promote Greece as a destination, which is always welcoming visitors from all over the world," Kefalogianni told China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The direct flight is expected to help build cultural bridges, support business travel, and create new opportunities for investment and collaboration between the two nations.

"The direct flight will greatly enhance personnel exchanges and cultural interactions between the central and western regions of China and Greece," said Fang.

Kefalogianni also highlighted the role of young travelers and internet influencers in sparking curiosity among the people of both countries and transforming tourism into genuine cultural exchanges.

"I feel it's really important that we have the influences from both sides because, of course, I understand that it's also important to have the Greeks traveling to China. I understand that Chengdu is a beautiful region, and I'm very happy that we will also have the opportunity to visit beautiful places in China," said Kefalogianni.