China Flights Update — 15 May 2026
flights • 15 May 2026
China’s international air network is expanding again, with airlines adding a wave of new routes that will give Australian travellers more ways to reach the country this northern summer. According to Global Times, China Eastern Airlines will begin Shanghai Pudong–Zurich services on 18 June, while Capital Airlines is set to launch Beijing Daxing–Lisbon flights on 22 June. Air China will also add Beijing–Venice services from 2 July, with four flights a week. The broader trend is equally encouraging for travellers. China’s aviation logistics branch says nearly 70 new international air cargo routes were opened in the first four months of 2026, reflecting strong momentum in cross-border travel and trade. For Australian visitors, the practical takeaway is a wider choice of connections into China and onward options to Europe-linked hubs, making it easier to combine a China stopover with multi-city itineraries. According to China Travel News and other aviation industry reports, more international services are expected to be announced as the peak travel season approaches.Sources
- https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5854187-china-adds-nearly-70-international-air-cargo-routes-in-four-months
- https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1361005.shtml
- https://www.crystaltravel.co.uk/news/flying-to-china-just-got-easier-for-travellers
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/china-expands-travel-horizons-as-hong-kong-airlines-launches-weekly-direct-flights-from-hong-kong-to-lanzhou-opening-northwest-chinas-tourism-and-business-gateway/
- https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2026/05/15/united-adds-2-new-flight-routes-to-this-asian-country/