Back to Beijing: Hainan Airlines resumes direct service to China
Former airline partner Hainan Airlines expands the number of direct flights to Beijing (PEK) from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) by resuming service today, April 2, 2024. SEA was the first U.S. airport Hainan Airlines chose to serve back in 2008, operating flights until 2019. Now they’re back and ready to take travelers to China’s bustling capital city.
“We’re excited to once again be working with Hainan Airlines,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. “We’re fortunate to be able to offer multiple direct flights to China out of SEA. The return of Hainan is a reflection of the strong relationships we have with our airline partners and the Chinese market. With international travel numbers continuing to grow, both inbound and outbound, we’re working closely with carriers to meet the demand and offer a variety of services and destinations around the globe.”
Before the four-year hiatus, Hainan Airlines carried approximately 200,000 visitors a year from PEK to SEA. With the new schedule, travelers will have multiple options a week to take the shortest flight between the United States and mainland China.
Flight details
| Route | Days | Depart | Arrivals | Flight No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEA to PEK | Tue, Thu, Sat | 11:00am | 3:10pm (+1 day) | HU496 |
| PEK to SEA | Tue, Thu, Sat | 1:10pm | 9:00am | HU495 |
International service at SEA
With the start of today’s service, SEA now offers 47 services to 31 international destinations on 25 different airlines. This is the seventh new international service announced for 2024 after Alaska Airlines to Toronto starting in May; Lufthansa to Munich starting in May; Delta Air Lines to Taipei starting in June; China Airlines to Taipei starting in July; STARLUX Airlines to Taipei starting in August; and Philippine Airlines to Manila starting in October. Visit SEA’s International Travel page for more tips and information on navigating SEA and the International Arrivals Facility.
About Hainan Airlines
As one of the fastest-growing airlines in China, Hainan Airlines is committed to providing passengers with comprehensive, seamless, high-quality service experiences. Hainan Airlines is the first and only SKYTRAX 5-Star airline in mainland China and has been awarded the SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline for 12 consecutive years since 2011. For more information, visit the Hainan Airlines website.