China Flights Update — 2 April 2026

flights • 2 April 2026

**China Eastern Airlines is launching a new direct route from Shanghai to Adelaide** for Australian travellers, operating three times weekly from June 20 to August 2, 2026, as part of its expanded 2026 summer-autumn schedule with over 3,200 daily flights across 950 routes.[1][5] This seasonal service boosts connectivity from South Australia to China's vibrant eastern hub, complementing increased frequencies to Australia overall—routes to Australia, New Zealand, and nearby regions will see higher weekly departures, with complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi now available on all classes for wide-body flights on these paths.[1] While no other entirely new direct routes from additional Australian cities to China are confirmed in current announcements, the additions align with a surge in international capacity, including 30 new routes like Shanghai-Tashkent (from March 30) and summer resumptions to Mumbai and Dublin.[1][5] Singapore Airlines is enhancing Asia networks with daily Singapore-Hangzhou flights from June 1, 2026, offering seamless connections for Aussies via Singapore to more Chinese destinations aboard A350 aircraft—ideal for multi-stop itineraries to cultural hotspots.[2][4][6] Travellers should book early for peak July-August periods, when further routes like Shanghai-Stockholm launch, and check airline sites for exact schedules to maximise options to exciting Chinese cities.

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