The first direct flight between the Serbian capital Belgrade and Shanghai was celebrated on Saturday when Air Serbia's flight JU986 landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and was welcomed with a traditional water salute, according to the Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Ltd.

With 2025 marking 70 years of China-Serbia bilateral diplomatic relations, the Shanghai-Belgrade route adds a new destination for the nations, enriches Shanghai's international aviation network, and better facilitates exchanges and collaborations between the countries in trade, tourism, and culture.

The Shanghai-Belgrade route will be operated by Air Serbia twice a week between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport using Airbus A330 aircraft.

Throughout last year, Shanghai's two airports have restored flights to eight international destinations, increased flight frequency for 19 international destinations, and debuted flights to Marseille in France, Venice in Italy, Manama in Bahrain, and Kazan in Russia.

The city's airports are now operating flights to 291 destinations in 48 countries.