World Bulletin / News Desk

China Southern Airlines set to launch direct air route between Urumqi, capital of Chinese-occupied East Turkestan, and Thai capital Bangkok, the company said on Wednesday.

The flight will be the first international direct flight linking East Turkestan with a southeast Asian country, according to the company.

Another two air routes, Urumqi-Aksu-Hotan, and Guangzhou-Urumqi-Baku will also be launched before the Spring Festival travel rush, which this year starts on Jan. 24 and will end on March 3.

The airline will also operate 342 additional flights in East Turkestan during the travel rush period to better facilitate traveling.