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More details have been revealed about China Eastern’s upcoming non-stop Adelaide–Shanghai flights as tickets go on sale.
The seasonal service will initially fly three times per week starting 21 June using 286-seat A350-900 aircraft, each with around 15 tonnes of freight capacity. Flights will pause from 2 August to “early 2027”, when the airline will finish its first season.
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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, and opens up business and tourism opportunities between China and South Australia,” said Brenton Cox, managing director of Adelaide Airport.
“It will be our second direct connection with mainland China and Adelaide’s 13th international carrier flying to 12 destinations, on the back of a 21 per cent increase in international passenger numbers in 2025.”
China is South Australia’s largest trading partner, seeing more than $3.4 billion worth of goods exported from the state over the past 12 months.
According to state Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison, China is also South Australia’s most valuable international visitor market, with direct Shanghai flights to prove a “major boost” for the state’s visitor economy.
“Latest data shows that in the year to September 2025, China was worth $305 million to the State’s visitor economy, making it our largest international market for expenditure, with 51,000 visitors travelling to South Australia over that period,” she said.
“This new direct connection makes it easier for Chinese travellers to experience our world-class food and wine, premium events and regional destinations, while also supporting local jobs and businesses across the state.
“South Australia is having a moment on the global stage, with major events, new experiences, and international attention driving strong demand to visit our state.”
SA Trade Minister Joe Szakacs added that the launch of the flights speaks to the state’s “huge momentum”, with Shanghai being home to around 30 million people.
“It’s one of the most important cities globally for the future of our state’s economy, and Chinese and South Australian business leaders and government officials alike, can now be on the ground in less than 11 hours,” he said.
“So too can our world-class products like southern rock lobster, which has achieved export records since the Chinese market opened back up less than 12 months ago.
“Off the back of four years of hard work, we’re now more connected globally than ever before. We’ll keep working to capitalise on this momentum and deliver for South Australia’s economy.”
Adelaide Airport last year broke records for both freight and passenger traffic.
