China Eastern Airlines has announced the official resumption of its direct flight service between Shanghai Pudong and Stockholm Arlanda, starting June 22, 2026. This long-awaited return marks the first time the route has operated since its suspension in 2020. With three weekly round-trip flights using Airbus A330 aircraft, the service will significantly reduce travel time to approximately 11 hours, providing a more efficient “Air Corridor” for travelers from Northern Europe.
The restoration of this route comes at a pivotal time for inbound tourism, following China's 30-day visa-free policy for Swedish citizens implemented in late 2025. The new flight schedule, departing Shanghai every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, will effectively meet the rising demand for both business and leisure trips to China.
With Stockholm joining its network, China Eastern now operates 28 European routes across 18 destinations. This resumption reinstates the “Beijing-Shanghai” dual-gateway structure for flights to Sweden, offering international visitors more flexible entry points into China. As the global travel market continues to recover, the expansion of such direct air links plays a crucial role in enhancing international cultural exchange and simplifying the journey for those exploring China’s diverse landscapes.