China Eastern Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Europe: New Routes from Shanghai and Nanjing in 2025 - Travel And Tour World

Published 6 days ago• 5 minute read

Monday, July 7, 2025

China Eastern Airlines greatly increases its European presence during the summer of 2025, opening numerous new long-haul routes that will join major Chinese cities with popular European destinations. By using its access through Russian airspace, the carrier operates more direct and fuel-efficient flights, which gives it a significant advantage in terms of competition with most Western airlines. Through the opening of numerous new services, China Eastern is establishing itself as a force in Europe.

These new routes will enhance the network of the airline, enabling wider accessibility in traveling between Europe and China and increasing effectiveness as well as shortening flight durations. Here is what’s new in summer 2025.

One of the most exciting additions to China Eastern’s European network is the Shanghai–Copenhagen route, set to launch on July 17, 2025. This thrice-weekly service will operate with Airbus A330-200 aircraft, featuring 262 seats, including 30 lie-flat business class seats. China Eastern will be the sole operator on this route, filling a gap left by SAS, which discontinued its Copenhagen–Shanghai service in late 2024.

The Shanghai–Copenhagen route will offer passengers a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two cities. This service will further strengthen China Eastern’s European network and improve connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. Copenhagen’s strategic location in Scandinavia makes it an attractive destination for travelers seeking to connect to other European cities.

Another key addition is the Nanjing–Paris route, which will begin service on July 9, 2025. This new weekly route will be operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, providing passengers with a direct link between Nanjing and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Thanks to the airline’s ability to utilize Russian airspace, the flight times will be significantly shorter compared to alternative routes. Fares for this route will start at around USD $7383, offering competitive pricing for travelers.

Paris, one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, will now be more accessible for travelers from Nanjing, a major city in eastern China. This new service will further promote business and tourism exchanges between the two cities, creating a more direct and efficient connection between China and France.

In addition to the new routes, China Eastern has also bolstered its existing services. The airline began daily flights between Shanghai and Milan on June 20, 2025, using Airbus A350-900s. This route directly competes with Air China’s service on the same city pair, offering travelers more choice and flexibility. The Airbus A350-900 is known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, making it an ideal aircraft for long-haul routes.

Milan, known for its fashion, design, and cultural attractions, continues to be a major destination for both leisure and business travelers. With daily flights now available, China Eastern is enhancing its service to this key European hub, positioning itself as a leading airline in the China-Europe market.

China Eastern Airlines has also increased the frequency of its Shanghai–Geneva service. Beginning June 16, 2025, the airline is now operating four weekly flights on this route, utilizing Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Geneva, a global financial center and home to numerous international organizations, has always been an important destination for business travelers. The increased frequency of flights will provide more options for passengers traveling between China and Switzerland, improving accessibility for both business and leisure markets.

China Eastern’s Shanghai–Venice route, which was first introduced in 2024, has seen its frequency increase to four weekly flights as of June 6, 2025. The route is operated by Airbus A330-200s, offering passengers a comfortable and efficient way to reach the romantic Italian city. Venice is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year, and the increased flight frequency will provide greater access to this iconic city.

One of the key advantages of China Eastern’s European expansion is its access to Russian airspace. By utilizing Russian airspace, China Eastern is able to offer shorter and more fuel-efficient flight paths between China and Europe. This not only reduces the flight times but also helps the airline manage its fuel consumption, giving it a competitive edge in an industry where cost-efficiency is paramount.

The strategic use of Russian airspace allows China Eastern to offer more direct routes and better time management, improving its operational efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience. These long-haul routes are part of the airline’s broader strategy to build a comprehensive network across Europe, positioning itself as a key player in the global aviation market.

With the launch of these new routes, China Eastern will bring its total European destinations to 15, including several in Russia. The airline’s expanded European network will allow travelers to connect more easily between China and key cities in Europe, further strengthening China Eastern’s position as a leading airline for China-Europe travel.

The airline’s strong growth in Europe is a testament to the increasing demand for direct connections between China and European cities. As travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, China Eastern’s strategic expansion across the continent positions it to capture a significant share of the growing long-haul market.

China Eastern Airlines is expanding its European network at a very fast pace in 2025, offering new routes, extra frequencies, and smart routing through the Russian airspace. All this expansion clearly indicates that the passenger airline wants to make a significant mark in Europe by providing travellers additional options and additional direct routes into major destinations in Europe. By virtue of competitive fares, greater efficiency, and extensive network, China Eastern will become the leading player in the European airlines market.

(Source: China Eastern Airlines.)

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