BEIJING -- Air China will launch a direct route linking Beijing and Athens via a stopover in Dubai on November 28, which is also the first direct flight between China and Greece.

The flight No. CA943 will depart from Beijing at 8:40 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays, and arrive in Dubai at 1:10 am After one and half an hour's stop, the aircraft will continue its journey to Athens, arriving at 5:50 am.

The flight No CA944 will take off at 9:30 am on Mondays and Thursdays and reach Beijing at 5:20 am the next morning.

This route came as cooperation between the two countries is becoming more frequent on sports, culture and tourism in the run-up to the Olympics, Air China sources said.