China Flights Update — 2 July 2026

flights • 2 July 2026

Air China has launched a new direct flight route between **Beijing Capital Airport** and **Milan Malpensa Airport**, significantly improving connectivity between China and Italy without the need for layovers[1]. Additionally, China Eastern Airlines is set to open two new direct routes to Europe this month: **Shanghai Pudong to Tbilisi** (Georgia) on **15 July 2026**, and **Shanghai Pudong to Dublin** (Ireland) on **20 July 2026**, marking the carrier’s first service to Georgia and its first regular direct flight from East China to Dublin[2]. For Australian travellers, these new routes offer faster access to emerging European destinations and eliminate long transfer times. The Beijing–Milan route is particularly convenient for those visiting northern Italy, while the Shanghai–Dublin flight opens a direct gateway to Ireland from eastern China[2]. In terms of regional expansion, Xiamen Airlines will also introduce new routes from **Changsha to Singapore and Bangkok**, and **Nanjing to Kuala Lumpur**, enhancing options for Southeast Asian travel[2]. These developments reflect a broader summer surge in international flight volumes, with Beijing Daxing International Airport now connecting to over **40 global destinations** and increasing daily outbound flights from 100 to 120[2]. Travellers can expect enhanced capacity on popular routes to **Moscow, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul**, as well as growing passenger flow to emerging cities like **Vladivostok and Ho Chi Minh City**[2]. According to China Travel News, these new routes are part of China’s strategic push to strengthen European and Southeast Asian connectivity during the peak summer travel season[1]. With wide-body aircraft deployed on key routes like **Beijing Daxing–Urumqi**, passengers will benefit from improved comfort and frequency during the high-demand period[2]. For the most up-to-date booking information, travellers should check the official websites of Air China, China Eastern Airlines, or Xiamen Airlines, as flight schedules may vary by season[1][2]. These new international links position China as an increasingly accessible hub for global travellers, offering direct access to both traditional and emerging destinations. *Note: While Air China also announced new routes to Dhaka, Milan (from Chengdu), and Moscow (from Urumqi) in the third quarter, the Beijing–Milan route is the most relevant new direct link for European travellers[4].*

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