China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s leading commercial air carriers, has announced plans to launch a brand-new non-stop air route linking Shanghai, China’s global trade and transportation hub, and Zurich, the largest economic center of Switzerland, with operations set to commence on June 18, 2026. This new service marks the airline’s second dedicated direct connection between China and Switzerland, coming one year after the successful launch of its Shanghai-Geneva route in 2025. According to the Shanghai-headquartered carrier, the new air corridor will act as a critical transportation link, streamlining cross-border movement and unlocking greater opportunities for bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
The new weekly schedule includes three round-trip flights per week, departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, with return flights departing Zurich the same calendar day. Travelers can already purchase tickets for the upcoming service through multiple official channels, including China Eastern’s official website and its dedicated mobile application.
Beyond direct bilateral connections, the route is expected to deliver broad economic and social benefits by deepening ties between the Yangtze River Delta, one of China’s most economically dynamic regions, and Switzerland, as well as the broader European market. Industry analysts note that the new link will lower barriers for industrial collaboration, cross-border business activities, international tourism, and people-to-people cultural exchanges between the regions.
This route launch forms part of China Eastern’s long-term strategy to expand capacity across its European network, responding to rapidly growing demand for travel and trade between China and European countries. Following the launch of the Shanghai-Zurich service, China Eastern will operate a total of 29 weekly flights connecting China to 19 different European cities, cementing its position as one of the largest Asian air carriers operating in the European market. Industry observers expect the expanded network to support continued growth in bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between China and Europe in the coming years.