Beijing will gradually resume direct international flights starting Thursday, China's top civil aviation watchdog said.

Nine direct flights bound for Beijing from eight countries — Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, Greece, Denmark, Austria, Sweden and Canada — will resume on Thursday, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

The first flight is scheduled to arrive from Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Thursday, carried by Air China.

Strict measures will be carried out to contain imported COVID-19 cases, such as capping passenger loads for each aircraft.

To curb imported cases, all international flights bound for Beijing were diverted to other airports as their first port of entry since March 23. Passengers will be examined, and cleared ones will then be allowed to enter the capital.

More direct flights will resume operations in accordance with outbreak risks, tourist demand and other factors, the administration said.

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