If the "Air Silk Road" serves as a bridge connecting Eastern and Western economies, the newly launched all-cargo flight route between Chongqing and Budapest stands as a critical pillar supporting this infrastructure. China Cargo Airlines, a subsidiary of Eastern Air Logistics, recently inaugurated the direct freight service, operating three weekly flights using Boeing 777F aircraft. This expansion marks a significant step in enhancing air freight connectivity between China's central and western regions and Europe.
The route primarily transports cross-border e-commerce goods and locally manufactured IT products from Chongqing, while returning flights carry specialty European commodities. Budapest's strategic position as a key European logistics hub—coupled with its concentration of Chinese enterprises—ensures stable cargo supply chains in both directions.
Economic Implications
The new air corridor is expected to streamline the delivery of Chongqing's competitive exports—including new energy vehicle components and laptops—to European markets. By reducing transit times and logistics costs, the route strengthens the global competitiveness of regional manufacturers. Industry analysts note this development aligns with broader efforts to optimize China-Europe trade flows amid evolving supply chain dynamics.
Expanding Network
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport now hosts 23 international cargo routes, operating 77 weekly flights. Its growing network spans China's central and western regions while extending to Europe, Asia, and North America. This systematic expansion reflects Chongqing's emergence as a multimodal logistics hub within China's Belt and Road Initiative framework.
The cargo route expansion comes as Chinese and European businesses increasingly prioritize agile, high-value logistics solutions. With Budapest serving as a gateway to Central and Eastern European markets, the new air link is projected to facilitate trade growth while supporting regional economic integration.