An international flight linking Changsha, Hunan province, with London has resumed service after a three-year suspension due to COVID-19.

The flight — HU421, operated by Hainan Airlines — is currently the only direct flight from Central China to London. Inaugurated early in 2018, it has become an important air routes between the two countries, transporting more than 70,000 passengers.

The flight has also become the first intercontinental route from Hunan since China's COVID-19 policy was optimized. It will make three round-trip flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Hainan Airlines has resumed or opened more than 20 international passenger routes, reaching destinations in Europe, North America and Asia, according to sources with the company.