Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin attended a ceremony at Zagreb Airport on September 4, 2026, marking the launch of Air China’s Beijing-Bucharest-Zagreb service. Participants included Udovičić, state secretary at Croatia’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Mihotić, state secretary at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure; Staničić, director of the Croatian Tourist Board; Duthilleul, chief operating officer of Zagreb Airport; and journalists from China and Croatia.

In his remarks, Qi said this was the first direct air service in the history of China-Croatia relations, opening a new chapter in their comprehensive cooperative partnership. More than an air route, it is a bridge of friendship connecting the hearts of the two peoples. It will unlock further potential for bilateral cooperation and give a strong boost to exchanges and cooperation in trade, the economy, tourism, culture, sports and education.

Udovičić said it was a momentous day for Croatia. The direct air service will further promote cooperation in trade, the economy and people-to-people exchanges, and consolidate bilateral relations.