China Eastern Airlines is to launch a direct flight linking Shanghai and the Uzbek capital of Tashkent starting March 30, as part of a push to connect cities involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

According to the Shanghai-based carrier, the new route, which follows last year's launch of a flight connecting Tashkent and Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, will better connect China with Central Asia, promoting trade cooperation, cultural exchanges and tourism.

Operating every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the flight to Tashkent will depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 13:40, and return from Tashkent International Airport later the same day (local time).

Tickets for the Shanghai-Tashkent flights are available for purchase on the official website of China Eastern, as well as on the airliner's app.