China Flights Update — 3 May 2026

flights • 3 May 2026

**Air China has launched a new direct route between Chongqing and Manila, operated with Boeing 737 aircraft offering four weekly round-trip flights.** According to Xinhua, this service began on May 3, enhancing connectivity between southwest China and the Philippines, and expands Air China's Philippine network to three routes with 15 weekly round-trips overall. For Australian travellers, this opens convenient stopover options en route to Chongqing's vibrant 'cyberpunk city' attractions via Manila hubs, boosting access to China's dynamic interior. **China Eastern Airlines has inaugurated the first direct nonstop route linking Vienna, Austria, to Xi'an in northwest China, with three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.** Business Wire reports that this strengthens Xi'an's role as a hub with 16 international routes to 14 destinations, providing direct access to Shaanxi's Terracotta Army and historical sites, plus onward connections across China and Asia. Australian visitors can leverage Europe's expanded networks for seamless multi-city itineraries, making ancient wonders more reachable. **Capital Airlines will launch a direct Beijing Daxing-Lisbon route on June 22, marking the airport's first nonstop to Portugal.** China Daily notes this creates a new 'air Silk Road' from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to Europe, amid Daxing's growth to 45 international destinations including recent Frankfurt additions and upcoming Milan and Bali services. With peak May Day traffic underway, these expansions signal exciting European gateways for Aussies planning heritage tours or beach escapes in China.

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