Aegean Links Greece to China With New Air China Deal

AEGEAN Airlines has agreed a codeshare partnership with Air China, aiming to improve air links between Greece and China. The deal is set to begin in May 2026 and will allow both airlines to place their flight codes on selected routes. It brings closer coordination between the two carriers, expanding options for journeys between Athens and key Chinese cities.

Under the agreement, passengers will be able to travel on direct flights between Athens and Beijing, as well as reach Guangzhou through connections within Air China’s network. The arrangement also allows travellers arriving in Athens to continue their journey on AEGEAN flights to destinations such as Heraklion, Santorini, Rhodes and Thessaloniki under a single booking.

Flights on the Beijing–Athens route are already operating three times per week. Air China plans to increase this frequency to five weekly services during the summer season. The airlines signed the agreement in Rome, marking a step forward in their cooperation, supported by their membership in the Star Alliance network.

What routes become easier to reach

• Athens to Beijing with direct services
• Guangzhou via connections through Air China
• Greek islands including Santorini, Rhodes, Heraklion
• Thessaloniki and other domestic routes within Greece
• Wider Chinese destinations through Air China’s network

The partnership makes travel between Southern Europe and East Asia easier to organise. China and Greek island routes are now available within one booking, removing the need for separate tickets. Travel between cities in China and destinations across Greece can be arranged more easily, especially during the summer months when both regions see higher demand and airlines operate more frequent services.

The agreement points to a wider effort by airlines to build links between Europe and Asia through partnerships rather than new direct routes. Instead of adding many new flights, carriers are combining networks to cover more ground. For those planning long-distance trips, this often means more routing choices and simpler bookings, even if connections remain part of the journey.