Sichuan Airlines will open a direct air route linking Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, and Egypt's capital Cairo on October 23, the airline said Sunday.

Chengdu will become China's third city with direct air services to the Egyptian capital, following Beijing and Guangzhou, said Sichuan Airlines.

The round-trip air service will be offered on each Tuesday and Friday, using Airbus A330 aircraft.

The opening of the direct route will further upgrade the connectivity of Chengdu, a comprehensive transport hub of southwestern China, and the world.

Sichuan Airlines is endeavoring to create a global international route network and waypoints along the Belt and Road countries, said Li Haiying, president of Sichuan Airlines Group. 

Sichuan Airlines recently launched the first direct flight to Israel from southwest China in a bid to meet rising passenger demand. The flight links Chengdu with Tel Aviv, Israel's second-largest city, with a one-way flight taking about 10 hours.

In addition, Sichuan Airlines will also open direct flights from Chengdu to Zurich, Copenhagen and Boston later this year.

(Cover: The view of city, Cairo, Egypt. /VCG Photo)