China Eastern arrival links Adelaide and Shanghai for the first time

Adelaide Airport has welcomed its first non-stop service between Adelaide and Shanghai with the arrival of the inaugural China Eastern Airlines flight. 

The new service will operate three times per week between Shanghai and Adelaide on a seasonal basis until 2 August 2026, delivering a total of 38 flights throughout the operation.  

The airline will operate an A350-900 with 287 seats, providing close to 11,000 seats over the period. 

China Eastern today also announced it will increase services on the route across the summer peak period, operating three direct flights per week between 17 December 2026 and 16 February 2027. 

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said the service would strengthen connectivity between Adelaide and China while offering seamless onward connections through Shanghai to destinations across Asia, Europe and beyond. 

“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,” Mr Cox said. 

“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. It’s great news for our exporters including our aquaculture industry and for international students wanting to study in Adelaide. 

“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.” 

China Eastern operates almost 800 aircraft, connecting from destinations across China, and around the world via Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Shanghai itself is home to approximately 30 million people. 

The new flights further bolster South Australia’s existing connection from China. Earlier this year, China Southern upgraded its service from Guangzhou to operate daily, while Cathay Pacific continues its seasonal services from Hong Kong. Flight Schedule 

• MU781 Shanghai–Adelaide: Monday, Thursday and Saturday 
• MU782 Adelaide–Shanghai: Tuesday, Friday and Sunday