Air China Launches Daily Beijing Daxing-Milan Direct Flights on Airbus A330-300 (2026) -- What European Travelers Need to Know
Air China launched daily nonstop Beijing Daxing (PKX) to Milan Malpensa (MXP) flights on June 13, 2026 -- the first intercontinental route from Daxing Airport, giving travelers a second Beijing gateway to Italy.
Key takeaway
Air China launched daily nonstop flights between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on June 13, 2026. This is the first intercontinental route from Beijing's new Daxing mega-hub, operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Travelers now have two Beijing airport options to reach Milan: Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX), both served by Air China.
Full report
What Changed
On June 13, 2026, Air China inaugurated a new daily direct route connecting Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) -- the city's second international hub that opened in 2019 -- with Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). The service is operated using Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
This is a milestone for Beijing Daxing Airport: it marks the first long-haul intercontinental route to depart from PKX, which previously handled primarily domestic and regional Asian flights. Air China also plans to add a Beijing Daxing-Frankfurt route later in 2026, as part of a broader strategy to expand long-haul operations from both Beijing airports, as reported by Aerospace Global News.
Before this launch, travelers flying from Beijing to Milan could only depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). With the new Daxing service, passengers now have two Beijing airport options on Air China to reach Milan, offering greater flexibility for connections and ground transportation across northern China.
According to Air China, the flight time is approximately 11 hours from Beijing Daxing to Milan and 10 hours 10 minutes on the return leg. The route operates 7 days per week, with one round-trip flight daily, as confirmed by aviation industry tracker Air Service One.
What to do next
- Compare both Beijing-Milan routes (PEK-MXP and PKX-MXP) on Air China's website to choose the best airport for your location. 2. Verify your Schengen visa or visa-exempt status for Italy before booking -- China's transit policy does not cover Italy entry. 3. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead for July-September 2026 peak-season travel. 4. Plan Daxing Airport ground transport: metro (30 min) or taxi (60+ min) based on your departure time.
What may vary
Flight schedules may adjust seasonally -- winter schedules (effective late October 2026) may reduce frequency or change departure times. The planned Beijing Daxing-Frankfurt route and Beijing-Venice route are pending regulatory approval and operational readiness. Always verify current schedules on airchina.com.cn before booking.
FAQ
Is there a direct flight from Beijing Daxing Airport to Milan?
Yes. Air China launched daily nonstop flights between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on June 13, 2026, operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
How long is the flight from Beijing Daxing to Milan?
The flight takes approximately 11 hours from Beijing Daxing (PKX) to Milan Malpensa (MXP). The return flight from Milan to Beijing takes about 10 hours and 10 minutes.
Which airlines fly direct from Beijing to Milan?
Air China is the primary carrier operating direct flights from Beijing to Milan, now offering service from both Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX). This makes Air China the only airline with two Beijing gateway options to Milan.
Can I use China's 240-hour visa-free transit at Beijing Daxing Airport?
Yes. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is one of the designated ports for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Eligible travelers from 55 countries can transit through Daxing for up to 10 days, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.