A ceremony is held to mark the first direct flight from China's Shanghai to Kazan at the airport of Kazan in Kazan, Russia, Sept. 28, 2024. China's financial hub Shanghai launched its first direct air route to Kazan, Russia, expanding travel options for the upcoming National Day holiday. Operated by China Eastern Airlines, flight MU5065 departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Saturday afternoon, carrying 240 passengers. Round-trip flights are scheduled three times a week. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)