ZHENGZHOU, June 25 (Xinhua) -- China Southern Airlines launched a direct air route between Zhengzhou, the capital city of central China's Henan Province, and London on Tuesday.

The CZ653 flight departs Zhengzhou at 4:10 p.m. Beijing time and arrives in London at 8:10 p.m. local time every Tuesday and Saturday. The return flight leaves Heathrow airport about two hours after its arrival.

A single trip takes 10 to 11 hours.

The direct route between the two cities will promote trade and cultural communication between the province and European countries, according to the provincial branch of the airline.

Zhengzhou City has a population of over 10 million. Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport saw 27.3 million passengers and 515,000 tonnes of cargo in 2018.