China Flights Update — 25 June 2026

flights • 25 June 2026

China has significantly expanded its international flight network with multiple new routes launched in June 2026, including direct connections from **Beijing to Lisbon**, **Shanghai to Stockholm**, and **Beijing to Dublin**. Capital Airlines launched the first nonstop service between **Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)** and **Lisbon (LIS)** on June 22, marking PKX’s first connection to Portugal[1][2]. China Eastern Airlines resumed its direct flight from **Shanghai Pudong (PVG)** to **Stockholm Arlanda (ARN)** on the same date, a route suspended for six years[2]. Hainan Airlines also began daily direct flights between **Dublin and Beijing**, increasing from four to seven weekly flights during the summer season[3]. For Australian travellers, **China Eastern Airlines** has launched a new nonstop route between **Shanghai and Adelaide**, its first direct connection between the two cities[7][9]. This provides a crucial new option for South Australians flying directly to China without connections. Additionally, China Southern Airlines is boosting capacity on routes connecting **Australia** in 2026, while Hainan Airlines integrated its **Haikou–Chongqing–Madrid** route into its European network starting late June[1][2]. By the summer-autumn 2026 season, China’s international routes will reach **86 countries and regions**, with steady growth in flight numbers[1]. Further expansions are planned for June and July, including new routes from **Shanghai Pudong to Tbilisi, Dublin, and Cheongju (South Korea)**, with preparations underway for a **Mumbai** route[1][2]. Capital Airlines is also launching a **Beijing–Colombo** service as part of its South Asian expansion[2]. These developments reflect a shift from a traditional hub-and-spoke model to a **nationwide grid-linked layout**, connecting more Chinese airports globally[1][2].

Sources