Air China Launches Daily Daxing-Frankfurt & Milan Flights

> **Quick Summary**
> - **Air China Routes:** New daily flights from Beijing Daxing (PKX) to Frankfurt (FRA) starting April 28, 2026, and Milan Malpensa (MXP) from June 13, 2026.
> - **Aircraft:** Boeing 777-300ER for Frankfurt; Airbus A330-300 for Milan, complementing PEK services.
> - **Traveler Impact:** Enhanced connectivity via Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa; bookings not yet open.
> - **What's Next:** Frankfurt route shifts one daily from PEK, reducing PEK-FRA to 10x weekly from 17x.

Air China is expanding its European network with two new daily long-haul routes from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), set to launch in 2026. These services mark the airline's first long-haul operations from Daxing, its secondary hub alongside Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), and aim to boost connectivity for passengers and cargo between China and key European hubs.

The moves align with Air China's strategy to develop PKX as a major long-haul gateway while maintaining strong operations at PEK, where Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa also operate.

## Why This Matters for China-Europe Travel

These route additions come as Europe-China air traffic recalibrates post-pandemic, with demand rising for direct links to business and tourism hotspots. Frankfurt, Europe's financial center and Lufthansa's primary hub, and Milan, Italy's fashion and cultural capital, are prime targets for Chinese travelers and expatriates.

Air China currently offers frequent services from PEK to both cities, including 17 weekly flights to Frankfurt and a daily to Milan. The new Daxing routes will feed into domestic connections and Hong Kong, while benefiting from European feeder traffic via alliance partners.

By splitting operations across Beijing's two airports, Air China enhances capacity without overloading PEK, supporting broader East Asia network growth.

## Air China Beijing Daxing – Frankfurt (FRA) Route

Air China will launch daily flights from Beijing Daxing (PKX) to Frankfurt (FRA) on April 28, 2026, operated by the Boeing 777-300ER. This widebody aircraft suits high-demand markets with strong passenger and cargo needs between China and Germany.

Schedules show departures from PKX at 13:30, arriving FRA around 17:50 local time. Return flights depart FRA at 19:10-19:20, landing PKX at 10:45 the next day, timed for morning connections.

This new daily service shifts one frequency from PEK-FRA, reducing it from 17 weekly to 10 weekly starting the same date. PEK will retain three weekly Boeing 747-8I flights initially, then switch fully to 777-300ER.

| Flight | Route | Aircraft | Departure | Arrival | Days | Start Date |
|--------|--------|----------|-----------|---------|------|------------|
| CA957 | PKX – FRA | 777-300ER (773) | PKX 13:30 | FRA 17:50 / 17:35 | 136 | 28APR26 |
| CA958 | FRA – PKX | 777-300ER (773) | FRA 19:10 / 19:20 | PKX 10:45+1 | 136 | 28APR26 |

Frankfurt's role as a Lufthansa hub provides seamless connections across Europe for Air China passengers.

## Air China Beijing Daxing – Milan Malpensa (MXP) Route

From June 13, 2026, Air China introduces daily PKX-MXP service using the Airbus A330-300, complementing the existing daily PEK-MXP on Airbus A350.

Flights depart PKX at 13:00, arriving MXP at 18:00. Returns leave MXP at 20:00, reaching PKX at 12:10 the next day, aligning with connecting options.

Milan's appeal lies in its fashion industry, tourism, and Chinese community, with steady year-round demand ideal for the A330-300's capacity.

| Flight | Route | Aircraft | Departure | Arrival | Days | Start Date |
|--------|--------|----------|-----------|---------|------|------------|
| CA749 | PKX – MXP | A330-300 (333) | PKX 13:00 | MXP 18:00 | Daily | 13JUN26 |
| CA750 | MXP – PKX | A330-300 (333) | MXP 20:00 | PKX 12:10+1 | Daily | 13JUN26 |

## Key Facts at a Glance

| Detail | Data |
|--------|------|
| Airport | Beijing Daxing International (PKX) |
| New Routes | PKX-FRA (28 April 2026, daily, Boeing 777-300ER); PKX-MXP (13 June 2026, daily, Airbus A330-300) |
| Existing PEK Changes | PEK-FRA reduces to 10x weekly; PEK-MXP daily A350 continues |
| Strategic Hubs | Frankfurt (Lufthansa base, finance); Milan (fashion, tourism) |
| Connectivity | Star Alliance feeders; domestic/Hong Kong links from PKX |
| Booking Status | Schedules filed to [Cirium](https://cirium.com); not yet open for sale |

## What This Means for Travelers

Business travelers gain more options to Frankfurt's corporate scene and Milan's industry events, with reliable timing for meetings. Tourists from China can easily reach Frankfurt's Römer, Palmengarten, and museums, or Milan's Cathedral and Sforza Castle.

Europeans benefit from direct access to Beijing, feeding Air China's East Asia network. Cargo capacity on these widebodies supports trade growth between China, Germany, and Italy.

Check [Air China](https://www.airchina.com) or [FlightAware](https://[FlightAware](https://flightaware.com).com) for booking updates and use [IATA](https://www.iata.org) for travel planning.

## Challenges and Risks

While demand is strong, routes depend on sustained travel recovery and geopolitical stability. Bookings are not yet available, so monitor for delays in sales opening. Aircraft shifts, like PEK-FRA's 747-8I phase-out, may affect interim schedules.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**When do Air China's new Beijing Daxing flights to Frankfurt and Milan start?**  
Air China launches PKX-FRA daily on Boeing 777-300ER from April 28, 2026 (CA957/958), and PKX-MXP daily on Airbus A330-300 from June 13, 2026 (CA749/750). These complement PEK services and enhance Europe connectivity.

**What aircraft will Air China use on these Daxing-Europe routes?**  
Frankfurt uses Boeing 777-300ER for high-capacity passenger and cargo; Milan deploys Airbus A330-300, suited for steady demand. PEK-FRA shifts fully to 777-300ER post-April.

**How do these routes affect existing Beijing-Frankfurt and Milan flights?**  
PEK-FRA drops from 17x to 10x weekly as one daily moves to PKX; PEK-MXP daily A350 continues unchanged. Travelers gain dual-Beijing options.

**Are bookings open for Air China Daxing-Frankfurt and Milan flights?**  
Schedules are filed per [Cirium](https://cirium.com) data but not yet bookable. Check airline sites or [FlightRadar24](https://www.[FlightRadar24](https://www.flightradar24.com).com) for updates; Star Alliance connections available via [Lufthansa](https://www.lufthansa.com).

## Related Travel Guides

[Beijing Daxing Airport Guide](/beijing-daxing-pkx-guide)  
[Top Frankfurt Attractions for Chinese Travelers](/frankfurt-travel-guide-2026)  
[Milano Malpensa to City Center Tips](/milan-mxp-access-2026)

**Disclaimer:** Data sourced from Cirium schedules, AeroRoutes, and aviation reports as of March 18, 2026. Verify flight details and bookings directly with [Air China](https://www.airchina.com) or authorities like [FAA](https://www.faa.gov) before travel.