China Flights Update — 1 July 2026

flights • 1 July 2026

Several new international flight routes connecting to China have been launched or scheduled for the summer 2026 season, significantly expanding options for Australian travellers. **Air China** has opened a new direct route between **Beijing Capital Airport** and **Milan Malpensa Airport**, eliminating layovers for faster travel between China and Italy[3]. Additionally, **China Eastern Airlines** is targeting the European market with two upcoming direct flights: **Shanghai Pudong to Tbilisi** (Georgia) starting July 15, and **Shanghai Pudong to Dublin** (Ireland) starting July 20[4]. Further connectivity is being added via regional hubs and increased frequencies. **China Southern Airlines** plans to operate over 130 international routes this summer, including new flights from **Guangzhou to Singapore, Phuket, and Chiang Mai**, as well as increased services from **Shenzhen to Ho Chi Minh City**[2]. In Malaysia, **Hainan Airlines** and **China Eastern Airlines** have commenced new routes linking **Kuala Lumpur to Chongqing** (commenced May 16) and **Dalian via Nanjing** (commenced June 23), enhancing air connectivity between Southeast Asia and China[1]. **Xiamen Airlines** also plans to launch new routes from **Changsha to Singapore and Bangkok**, and **Nanjing to Kuala Lumpur**[4]. These developments highlight a rapid growth in flight volumes to **Central Asia, West Asia, and emerging European destinations**, with **Beijing Daxing International Airport** increasing its daily outbound flights from 100 to 120[4]. The summer season sees significant expansion on popular routes to **Moscow, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul**, while destinations like **Vladivostok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City** have also experienced notable surges in passenger flow[4]. For travellers heading to North America for the **2026 FIFA World Cup**, China Southern Airlines continues to operate 38 weekly flights to the US, Canada, and Mexico, offering promotional fares and loyalty rewards[2].

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