China Eastern Airlines will offer South Australians and all Australian travellers a new direct gateway to Asia with its maiden non-stop service between Adelaide and Shanghai, scheduled to commence in mid-2026. This marks the first-ever direct air link between South Australia’s capital and China’s largest and economically vital city. The new route will operate three times weekly, using wide-body aircraft, strengthening connectivity between the two regions.
Adelaide Airport, Australia’s fifth busiest airport, anticipates that this launch will significantly enhance tourism, business, educational exchanges, and trade opportunities between South Australia and China, Australia’s largest trade partner. The airport has announced that flight bookings will be available soon and encourages travellers to “watch this space” for updates.
Shanghai’s status as China’s financial powerhouse connects South Australia to a vast market, expected to help boost exports of highly sought-after goods such as southern rock lobster, wine, and nuts. The route also supports South Australian families with ties to China and international students returning home. With each flight capable of carrying up to 15 tonnes of cargo, the service is poised to deepen economic ties and facilitate easier travel for business and leisure.
This new Adelaide-Shanghai service complements a recent surge in international connectivity at Adelaide Airport, including Qantas’s resumption of flights to Auckland, Air New Zealand’s new Adelaide-Christchurch link, and Malaysia Airlines’ enhanced daily Kuala Lumpur service. These developments coincide with Adelaide Airport’s ongoing $600 million ‘Project Flight’ infrastructure upgrade aimed at elevating the airport’s passenger experience toward 2050.
China Eastern Airlines already operates multiple routes across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and seasonal Perth services to Shanghai, making Adelaide the latest addition to its expanding national network. The new route secures stronger links between South Australia and one of the world’s largest cities, opening new doors for travellers, businesses, and educational exchanges.
Stay tuned for booking and launch details and prepare to explore seamless travel between Adelaide and Shanghai like never before.
