The metropolis of Chongqing in southwest China on?June 23?opened its first direct flight to London.

The flight, operated by Tianjin Airlines, will commute between Tianjin, Chongqing and the British capital on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Chongqing Airport Group said in a statement.

The statement said the flight will strengthen links between London, a global financial center, and Chongqing, a transportation hub in southwest China.