A new international air cargo route linking Ezhou Huahu International Airport with Athens marks a significant milestone in China-Europe trade connectivity, carrying everything from Greek olive oil to Chinese electronics across continents in record time.
On January 7, a Boeing 777-200F freighter loaded with cross-border e-commerce goods took off from Ezhou, Hubei province, bound for the Greek capital, officially inaugurating the "Ezhou-Athens" route. The flight represents both a promising start to 2026 for Huahu Airport and a strategic enhancement of China's Belt and Road infrastructure network.
A Vital Trade Bridge
Operating twice weekly, the new route is projected to add 20,000 tons of annual air cargo capacity. More than 90% of outbound shipments consist of Chinese e-commerce products, while inbound flights carry Greek specialty goods including dairy products, auto parts, and infant formula popular among Chinese consumers.
Athens, as Greece's capital and a key Belt and Road partner, serves as a major commercial hub in Southern Europe due to its strategic location and advanced logistics infrastructure. The direct cargo link effectively fills a critical gap in regular freighter services between central China and Greece.
Expanding European Network
The Athens route represents the latest expansion of Huahu Airport's European cargo network, which now includes 15 direct freight routes connecting to 13 major European economies including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. This growing web of air connections has significantly reduced transit times and logistics costs between China and Europe.
Huahu Airport's 2025 performance highlights its rapid development as an aviation hub, handling 1.48 million tons of cargo—a 44.2% year-on-year increase. International cargo volume surged 85.8% to 496,000 tons, securing the airport's position as China's fifth-largest and central China's top air cargo hub for the second consecutive year.
Future Development
As China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period, Huahu Airport plans to enhance its hub capabilities through five key initiatives: safety management, market expansion, resource optimization, operational efficiency, and innovation. The airport aims to strengthen both domestic and international cargo circulation while developing into a world-class logistics hub.
The airport's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and operational efficiency continue to attract international businesses, creating a robust air cargo ecosystem that drives regional economic growth. Industry observers anticipate Huahu Airport will maintain its rapid development trajectory, emerging as a prominent player in global air freight logistics.