Seasonal services between Adelaide and Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines will start in the middle of 2026, operating three times a week.
This will be the first direct air connection between Adelaide and the world’s third largest city and will also add direct cargo capacity for South Australian exports to China.
Visitation from China is currently worth $358 million annually to South Australia’s economy, with all international visitation adding $1.7 billion to the state’s economy in total. The value of international visitors has jumped 33 per cent year on year, based on the most recent figures.
“This is a great outcome for South Australia,” said the state’s trade and investment minister, Joe Szakacs.
“As our government continues to connect our state to the world’s biggest economies and tourism markets, local jobs and businesses are the greatest beneficiaries.
“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.
“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 connection could also boost Chinese delegate numbers at international conferences in Adelaide, while also making it easier for those based in Adelaide to attend conferences in China. It could also open up more incentive business for Adelaide and South Australia’s famous wine regions.
“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,” said Adelaide Airport’s managing director, Brenton Cox.
“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.”
From October to December, Adelaide is seeing an influx of seasonal international routes beginning, including services to Christchurch and Auckland on Air New Zealand and Qantas respectively, which began in October, a thrice weekly service between Adelaide and Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific which begins tomorrow, and an Adelaide-San Francisco service which begins on December 11 with United Airlines. Most of these services will end in March 2026, with the Qantas service to Auckland running through to May next year.
