HANGZHOU, April 19 (Xinhua) -- A direct flight will connect Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province and Rome, Italy, announced Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Friday.

Starting on June 12, the air route operated by Air China will be the fourth direct flight linking Hangzhou and Europe, which will provide more choices for tourists, according to the airport.

Round trips are going to be operated three times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with Airbus A330-200 aircraft, taking about 12 hours, the airline said.

Over seven centuries ago, the young Italian merchant and explorer Marco Polo embarked on a trailblazing journey along the ancient Silk Road that led him to Hangzhou, and it means a lot that we are now building an air route linking the two sides, read a statement released by the airport.

Hangzhou serves as an important city in China's Belt and Road Initiative. So far, it has launched regular direct flights to 32 cities in countries and regions participating in the initiative.