China Eastern Brings Direct Shanghai Flights Back to Stockholm
China Eastern will resume direct flights between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport on 22 June 2026. The airline plans to operate the route three times a week, reconnecting the Swedish capital with one of China’s largest aviation hubs. The return restores a direct air link between Sweden and China after several years without service on the route.
The flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Shanghai serves as one of China’s main financial and commercial centres, while Stockholm remains a key Nordic gateway for international business and tourism. According to Swedavia, the airport operator, the new route reflects continued confidence in Sweden’s aviation market and reinforces links between the two countries’ economies.
Planned schedule for the Stockholm–Shanghai route
China Eastern will operate the service three times a week starting in June 2026:
- Monday
- Thursday
- Saturday
The route also carries importance for cargo transport. Shorter transit times between Sweden and China are expected to support shipments of high-value goods while improving connections with China Eastern’s wider network across Asia and the Pacific region.
Stockholm regains a direct link with one of Asia’s largest cities. Shanghai draws visitors with historic neighbourhoods, busy riverfront walks along the Bund and the striking skyline of Pudong. The flight also makes it easier to continue across the Asia-Pacific region using China Eastern’s network, with connections to major cities across China and nearby countries.
The new connection adds another long-haul option at Stockholm Arlanda and restores a direct link that had been absent for some time. A non-stop service between Sweden and China shortens travel time and removes the need for a transfer through other European or Middle Eastern hubs. The route may also support closer ties between businesses, tourism operators and visitors moving between Scandinavia and East Asia.
