Baotou Airport, located in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is to deepen its cooperation with airlines and optimize the structure of air routes and flights in 2021, according to Baotou Daily.

A new air route has been launched in the autonomous region, linking three places in the area - Baotou, Chifeng and Ulaanhot. The maiden flight was made on Jan 10.

The Baotou-Chifeng-Ulaanhot flight, operated by China Express Airlines, is scheduled to fly four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

It takes off from Baotou at 13:40 and stops in Chifeng at 15:05 before reaching Ulaanhot at 17:05. The return flight departs Ulaanhot at 17:45, and arrives in Chifeng at 19:05. It takes off at 19:45 and finally reaches Baotou at 21:25.

The opening of the route completes an "air bridge" between the eastern and western parts of the autonomous region.

The launch of this route also further enhances the interconnection between Chifeng and Ulaanhot, promotes regional cooperation and development, boosts economic and cultural exchanges, and provides faster and more convenient travel options for passengers.

The Baotou-Qingdao flight was also launched on Jan 10, providing more convenience for passengers traveling between the two cities.

The direct flight, operated by Qingdao Airlines, is scheduled to fly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, shortening the journey between the two cities to just two hours.

The flight takes off at Qingdao Liuting International Airport at 13:00, and arrives at Baotou Donghe Airport at 15:15. The return flight leaves Baotou Donghe Airport at 16:00, and reaches Qingdao Liuting International Airport at 17:55.

According to the airport's plan, in March, flights from Baotou to Haikou, Sanya, Changsha, Nanchang and nine other cities will be opened, and the frequency of flights to 13 cities including Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing and Zhengzhou will be increased.