Shenzhen opens direct passenger route to Brunei

A Shenzhen Airlines aircraft is prepared for departure at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. The airline launched a direct passenger service linking Shenzhen with Brunei's capital in late September. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Airlines

A Shenzhen Airlines passenger aircraft departed from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to head for Bandar Seri Begawan on Sept. 28, marking the launch of a direct passenger air service between Shenzhen and the capital of Brunei Darussalam.

The new service fills a gap in direct passenger flights between Shenzhen and Brunei. It also expands Shenzhen’s air links with APEC member economies, making travel between the two destinations more convenient and strengthening regional connectivity.

Bandar Seri Begawan lies on the southwestern shore of Brunei Bay and serves as the country’s political, economic and cultural center. The city is known for its extensive waterfront settlement, often called the “Venice of the East,” as well as landmarks including Istana Nurul Iman and the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

“Previously, most travelers flying from Shenzhen to Brunei had to connect through cities such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore,” said Zhao Song, manager of the international check-in section of Shenzhen Airlines’ ground services department. The new route will operate four times a week, he said, facilitating travel, exchanges and cooperation between the two destinations.

Passengers check in for Shenzhen Airlines' new direct service to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.

Passengers prepare to board Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH171 to Brunei at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.

With Shenzhen set to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November, Shenzhen Customs has been streamlining departure and arrival procedures at the airport.

“We have fully implemented a ‘one-stop inspection’ model, integrating customs and security screening,” said Jing Yang, head of the sixth passenger-inspection section at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport Customs. “Departing passengers no longer need to go through separate customs baggage checks and security checks. They can place their luggage through screening only once, simplifying the process,” Jing said.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport currently offers more than 30 international passenger routes to APEC member economies, with over 700 scheduled inbound and outbound flights each week.