Exciting New International Flight Routes to China for Australian Travellers

flights • 10 April 2026

**Exciting New International Flight Routes to China for Australian Travellers** China Eastern Airlines is expanding its European network with two new direct routes ideal for Australian travellers connecting via major hubs. The airline will launch nonstop Shanghai-Zurich flights on June 18, operating Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, enhancing access to Switzerland's economic hub and facilitating tourism and business links between the Yangtze River Delta and Europe. China Daily reports this as the second direct China-Switzerland service, following Shanghai-Geneva, with tickets now available on the airline's website and app. Additionally, China Eastern starts Xi’an-Vienna nonstop service this April, part of China's push to broaden long-haul options from central hubs.[2][3] Air China is boosting connectivity with the resumption of Beijing Capital-New Delhi flights from April 21, running three times weekly on Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering the only nonstop link between the capitals and about 1,800 two-way seats. Aviation Week notes this supports recovering air links, with overall China-India capacity set to reach 16,900 weekly seats by early June alongside other launches like China Eastern's Kunming-Kolkata. From May 1, Air China introduces direct Chongqing-Manila service (CA481/2), opening Southeast Asian access from western China for multi-destination trips.[1][4] These additions bring China Eastern's European flights to 29 across 19 cities, making China an even more accessible gateway for Australians eyeing Europe, India, or the Philippines. Travellers can plan itineraries with these precise schedules for seamless 2026 adventures.[2]

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