A new direct flight route connecting Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, with Surabaya, the capital of East Java in Indonesia, was officially launched on Friday.
The inaugural flight, operated by China Southern Airlines, departed from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and landed at Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo, a city near Surabaya, at 9:55 p.m. local time, following a 5-hour and 40-minute journey.
The arrival was celebrated with a traditional water salute at Juanda International Airport, attended by Indonesian government officials, Chinese diplomats, and airport representatives. The passengers were warmly welcomed with cultural performances and special souvenirs, highlighting the strong relationship between China and Indonesia.
Wang Hongxiong, General Manager of China Southern Airlines Jakarta Branch, stated that the new Guangzhou-Surabaya route is operated using an Airbus A321 aircraft and will run four times a week. Flights from Guangzhou to Surabaya will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while flights from Surabaya to Guangzhou will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
“Guangzhou becomes the first mainland Chinese city to have direct flights to Surabaya, capitalizing on Baiyun International Airport’s status as a key flight hub connecting China to various international destinations,” Wang noted.
He added that the route is designed not only to offer a faster travel option between China and Surabaya but also to foster deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
