China Flights Update — 16 May 2026
flights • 16 May 2026
China’s international air links are continuing to expand, giving Australian travellers more options for planning a trip later this year. According to Global Times, China Eastern Airlines will begin Shanghai Pudong–Zurich flights on 18 June, operating three times a week, while Capital Airlines is set to launch Beijing Daxing–Lisbon on 22 June. Air China will also add Beijing–Venice services from 2 July, with four flights a week. For Australians connecting via major Asian or Middle Eastern hubs, these additions can make a Europe-plus-China itinerary easier to combine with a China stopover. China’s cargo network is also growing fast, which often supports broader route development and travel connectivity. China Travel News reported that nearly 70 new international air cargo routes were launched in the first four months of the year, including strong additions across Europe and Asia. While those services are freight-focused, they underline the pace of aviation growth across China’s major airports — good news for travellers looking for more frequent schedules, better hub connectivity and potentially stronger future passenger options.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.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3353110/european-airlines-adding-china-flights-despite-russian-airspace-barrier
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/vietjet-expands-china-network-with-new-direct-routes-from-vietnam-cities/
- https://simpleflying.com/united-sfo-hub-expands-asia-pacific/