South Australia will regain a non-stop air bridge to mainland China for the first time since the pandemic after China Eastern Airlines opened bookings for a seasonal Shanghai Pudong–Adelaide service starting 21 June 2026. The A350-900 flight MU781/782 will run three times weekly until 2 August, adding 858 seats and about 45 tonnes of belly-hold freight each week. (nationaltribune.com.au)
The route, championed by the Malinauskas State Government and Adelaide Airport’s Vision 2050 strategy, raises the airport’s tally to 13 international carriers serving 12 overseas destinations. China accounted for A$3.4 billion of South Australian goods exports and 51,000 inbound visitors in 2025; officials expect the direct flight will accelerate recovery of both trade and high-yield tourism segments such as premium seafood exports and conference travel.
Before travellers start packing, it’s worth noting that VisaHQ can streamline the visa process from either side of the route. Through its Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/), the service provides fast, online facilitation for Chinese visas needed by South Australian executives and holiday-makers, as well as Australian e-visas for Shanghai-based tourists and business delegations, helping ensure paperwork doesn’t slow the new connection’s momentum.
![China Eastern puts Shanghai–Adelaide seats on sale, restoring direct mainland link]()
For corporate travel buyers the connection offers a one-stop alternative to hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore and could shave up to four hours off door-to-door itineraries for Adelaide-based executives with mainland operations. Introductory economy fares are advertised from A$716 one-way, with business-class starting around A$3,366—pricing that analysts say undercuts comparable one-stop options.
Logistics managers also welcome the additional 15 tonnes of freight capacity per flight, which will support time-sensitive exports like southern bluefin tuna and fresh lobsters, as well as high-value electronics inbound to the Tonsley innovation precinct.
China Eastern has signalled its intention to return in 2027, making this year’s operation a live market test; strong load factors could see the seasonal window extended or even upgraded to year-round service.
The route, championed by the Malinauskas State Government and Adelaide Airport’s Vision 2050 strategy, raises the airport’s tally to 13 international carriers serving 12 overseas destinations. China accounted for A$3.4 billion of South Australian goods exports and 51,000 inbound visitors in 2025; officials expect the direct flight will accelerate recovery of both trade and high-yield tourism segments such as premium seafood exports and conference travel.
Before travellers start packing, it’s worth noting that VisaHQ can streamline the visa process from either side of the route. Through its Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/), the service provides fast, online facilitation for Chinese visas needed by South Australian executives and holiday-makers, as well as Australian e-visas for Shanghai-based tourists and business delegations, helping ensure paperwork doesn’t slow the new connection’s momentum.
For corporate travel buyers the connection offers a one-stop alternative to hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore and could shave up to four hours off door-to-door itineraries for Adelaide-based executives with mainland operations. Introductory economy fares are advertised from A$716 one-way, with business-class starting around A$3,366—pricing that analysts say undercuts comparable one-stop options.
Logistics managers also welcome the additional 15 tonnes of freight capacity per flight, which will support time-sensitive exports like southern bluefin tuna and fresh lobsters, as well as high-value electronics inbound to the Tonsley innovation precinct.
China Eastern has signalled its intention to return in 2027, making this year’s operation a live market test; strong load factors could see the seasonal window extended or even upgraded to year-round service.
