Shanghai Just Got Closer - China Eastern Launches Direct Flights from Dublin

China Eastern Airlines will launch a new non-stop service between Dublin and Shanghai this July, opening up easier journeys to one of Asia’s most exciting cities and a wealth of onward destinations across China and the Asia-Pacific region.

One of Asia’s most dynamic cities is about to feel much closer to Ireland.

China Eastern Airlines will begin flying directly between Dublin and Shanghai on 20 July 2026, giving Irish travellers a long-awaited non-stop connection to China’s largest city.

The new route will operate three times per week using an Airbus A350-900, with services currently scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It is also set to become the longest scheduled non-stop route ever operated from Dublin Airport.

Along with making Shanghai considerably easier to reach, the service will open up convenient connections to cities throughout China and across Asia, including Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Hangzhou, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok and Bali.

A New Connection Between Ireland and China

China Eastern is one of China’s largest international airlines and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Headquartered in Shanghai, the carrier operates an extensive network spanning Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America and the Middle East, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport serving as one of its principal hubs.

For Dublin Airport, the arrival of the service represents an important expansion of its Asian network. The direct route is expected to support not only holidays and city breaks, but also business travel, trade, education and cultural exchange between Ireland and China.

It will also remove the need for Irish passengers to connect through another European, Middle Eastern or Asian airport when travelling to Shanghai, making the journey more straightforward for holidaymakers, families, students and corporate travellers.

What to Expect on Board

China Eastern will operate the route with the Airbus A350-900, one of the most modern long-haul aircraft currently in service.

The aircraft will offer three cabin classes:

• Business Class, featuring fully flat-bed seats for greater comfort on the overnight journey.

• Premium Economy, offering additional space, enhanced dining and increased privacy.

• Economy Class, with ergonomically designed seating and individual in-flight entertainment.

The A350 was developed with long-distance passenger comfort in mind. Its quieter cabin, larger windows, improved humidity and lower cabin altitude can help reduce some of the tiredness commonly associated with long-haul travel.

It is also considerably more efficient than many previous-generation long-haul aircraft. According to Airbus, the A350 uses around 25% less fuel and produces approximately 25% fewer carbon emissions than the older aircraft it was designed to replace.

Dining will combine Chinese and international influences, with hot meals, snacks and beverages served throughout the flight. Business Class passengers can expect an elevated dining experience and enhanced drinks selection, while passengers across all cabins will have access to the airline’s in-flight entertainment.

Travellers will also be able to stay connected during the journey. China Eastern has extended complimentary Wi-Fi across its wide-body fleet, allowing passengers on eligible flights to browse online, send messages and remain connected while in the air.

Why Visit Shanghai?

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where historic gardens, temples and riverside architecture sit alongside some of the tallest and most futuristic buildings in the world.

A first visit should begin at The Bund, the city’s famous waterfront promenade. From here, travellers can look across the Huangpu River towards the instantly recognisable skyline of Lujiazui, home to the twisting Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Centre and the colourful Oriental Pearl Tower.

The atmospheric Yu Garden offers a glimpse of a more traditional Shanghai, with classical Chinese landscaping, ornate pavilions, ponds and winding pathways. Elsewhere, the leafy streets of the former French Concession are filled with independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and historic residences.

Shanghai is equally rewarding for food lovers. Travellers can move between contemporary restaurants, traditional dining rooms and busy street-food stalls, sampling local favourites such as soup-filled xiaolongbao dumplings and crisp-bottomed shengjian bao.

The city is also one of Asia’s major shopping destinations, ranging from the bright lights and department stores of Nanjing Road to luxury boutiques, neighbourhood markets and independent design shops.

A Gateway to Wider China and Asia

Although Shanghai offers more than enough to fill an entire holiday, the new flight also creates opportunities for travellers planning a larger journey.

Through China Eastern’s network at Shanghai Pudong, passengers can continue to Beijing for the Forbidden City and Great Wall, Chengdu for its famous giant pandas, or cities such as Guangzhou, Kunming and Hangzhou.

International connections can also take passengers onwards to destinations across Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

That makes the route suitable not only for a Shanghai city break, but also for multi-stop holidays combining several Chinese cities or different destinations across Asia.

Irish Travellers Can Visit Visa-Free

The timing of the new service is particularly welcome for Irish holidaymakers, as Irish citizens holding ordinary passports can currently enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

The policy applies to eligible visits for tourism, business, family and friend visits, exchanges and transit, and has been extended until 31 December 2026. Travellers should ensure they meet the relevant conditions and check the latest official entry requirements before departure.

With a direct flight from Dublin and no advance tourist visa required for an eligible short stay, arranging a trip to Shanghai is now significantly simpler.