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China Eastern will launch a new seasonal service between Adelaide and Shanghai next year.
China’s second-largest carrier will fly three times per week return from Shanghai to Adelaide starting in mid-2026 using wide-body aircraft. It is the first non-stop connection between the world’s third-largest city and South Australia.
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“This service will see one of China’s largest carriers connecting Adelaide with China’s largest city and one of the biggest cities in the world,” said Brenton Cox, managing director of Adelaide Airport.
“This is 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.”
The Chinese tourism market is worth around $358 million to the South Australian economy, with overall international tourism worth $1.7 billion to the state, a record high.
According to the state’s Trade Minister, Joe Szakacs, the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed $3.6 billion in exports from SA to China over the past 12 months, including wine and nuts, while Chinese consumers also showed strong demand for South Australian live southern rock lobster.
“Shanghai is the financial and economic capital of China, South Australia’s largest trading partner. 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.
“The flight will also make it easier for the thousands of South Australians with family in China to visit them, and for international students looking to return after their summer break.”
Adelaide Airport has seen several new and returning routes launch over the past few months, including AirAsia to Denpasar, Air New Zealand to Christchurch, and Qantas to Auckland.
Cathay Pacific is also set to bring back non-stop flights from Adelaide to Hong Kong this week.
