The Air China air carrier resumed flights to Moscow on Tuesday, the Russian embassy in Beijing said.

Russia has not closed its airspace over a volcanic ash cloud which halted air traffic across Europe. Air China, however, has cancelled all flights from Beijing to Europe, including Moscow, leaving hundreds of Russians stranded.

“As the Chinese Foreign Ministry told us this morning, Air China resumed flights today,” Chief of Consular Division Leonid Ignatenko said.

He said the air carrier will make three flights on Tuesday, one on schedule and two extra.

“Tourists are leaving without problems, even those who have their group visa expired leave Beijing without any difficulties,” the Russian diplomat said.

A cloud of ash from an eruption on the Eyjafjallajokull Glacier in Iceland, which began on April 14, has disabled air traffic throughout central and northern Europe, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and forcing more than 20 European countries to close their airspace.

On March 29th 2010, Air China will launch its first non-stop flight between Beijing and Manila. Round-trip tickets will be available to PhoenixMiles members for only RMB 1,666. In addition, from March 16th to May 31st PhoenixMiles members paying for round-trip tickets with PhoenixMiles will only have to pay half the normal mileage.

Flights to Manila will depart from Beijing Capital Airport at 8:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and arrive at 00:55 AM the next day. Flights to Beijing from Manila will depart at 06:30 AM local time on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and arrive at Beijing at 11:10 AM. A Boeing 738 will be deployed for all flights on the Beijing-Manila route.

This new route will greatly increase the number of Filipino tourists visiting China. The Philippine Tourism Authority already has a Beijing office, and they believe that there is great potential for more Filipinos to visit China. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are currently the most popular destinations for Filipino tourists, who are interested in Chinese history and culture, as well as Chinese cuisine.

Air China passengers flying from the Americas and Europe can use Beijing as a hub for their flights on to the Philippines.