Direct flights between Shanghai and Athens, of Greece will be launched by Shanghai-based airliner Juneyao Airlines starting April 2, according to official sources.

The flights will be operated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the Athens International Airport, reported the local news portal Shanghai Observer, citing sources from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

The Shanghai-Athens route is among the three international flights newly increased by Juneyao Airlines, which will support the city's efforts of building an international aviation hub as well as contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative.

The rest two intercontinental flights are between Shanghai and UK's Manchester since July 1, as well as Shanghai and Belgium's Brussels starting from July 3, according to the carrier.