China Eastern Airlines to fly direct from Adelaide to Shanghai
South Australia's $3.6bn trade relationship with China is set for a major boost as direct flights to one of the world’s largest cities are locked in for mid-2026.
Adelaide will have direct flights to Shanghai in a major boost for the economy, exports and tourism.
China Eastern Airlines will fly out of Adelaide Airport from mid-2026, operating the first direct flight to Shanghai.
China’s second largest airline with some 800 aircraft across its fleet, China Eastern operates out of Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports and will use a wide-bodied aircraft for the 10-hour journey.
The seasonal route between Adelaide and the world’s third-largest city will run three times a week following their commencement next year and each flight will be capable of providing around 15-tonnes of cargo such as SA lobster.
China is South Australia’s largest trading partner, with latest ABS figures showing $3.6bn worth of goods were exported over the past 12 months, including $731m worth of wine and $286m of nuts.
The new route adds to the flurry of international activity at Adelaide Airport, which is preparing for the return of Cathay Pacific next week before it welcomes United Airlines for the first time in December.
Qantas and Air New Zealand last month commenced new trans-Tasman legs last week to Auckland and Christchurch respectively.
Trade Minister Joe Szakacs said Shanghai is the financial and economic capital of China.
“More exports, more tourists, more students and more businesses connect to Shanghai than any other part of China. This historic new flight is a win for those businesses and local jobs,” he said.
“Whether it’s record lobster exports, or massive growth in tourism, this is a huge win for our economy, getting direct into the most important city of our most important trading partner.”
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said South Australia is more globally connected than ever.
“International tourism is worth a record $1.7bn to our economy, and this is only set to increase with the introduction of more direct flights from key markets such as China.”
Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said it provides “an extraordinary opportunity to open up business and tourism opportunities between China and South Australia, and connecting with the rest of the world through China Eastern’s vast network.
“Importantly it will be our second direct connection with mainland China on the back of China Southern flights to Guangzhou, while Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong also resume next week,” he said.
In addition to China Eastern’s Shanghai flight, the international routes operating or scheduled that directly connect Adelaide Airport to the world are:
Qatar Airways: Doha
Emirates: Dubai
Singapore Airlines: Singapore
Malaysia Airlines: Kuala Lumpur
Fiji Airways: Nadi
Jetstar: Denpasar
Indonesia AirAsia: Denpasar
Air New Zealand: Auckland
Air New Zealand: Christchurch (seasonal)
China Southern Airlines: Guangzhou (seasonal)
Qantas: Auckland (seasonal)
Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong (from next week, seasonal)
United Airlines: San Francisco (starting December 2025, seasonal)
Originally published as China Eastern Airlines to fly direct from Adelaide to Shanghai
