China Eastern Airlines has resumed its non-stop service between Shanghai and Stockholm after pausing the flights during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The inaugural return flight took place on 22 June 2026, and three weekly services will connect the cities henceforward.
On 22 June 2026, China Eastern Airlines’ MU289 flight left Shanghai Pudong International Airport and arrived at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The Airbus A330 wide-body plane, which was fully booked, marked the carrier’s first Stockholm flight since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is a great honour for China Eastern Airlines to mark the resumption of non-stop flights between Stockholm Arlanda and Shanghai Pudong. Serving as a bridge linking Sweden and China together, this route embodies profound friendship between our two countries and a brand-new chapter in Sweden-China ties,” said Haipin Liu, General Manager, China Eastern Airlines Europe Marketing Centre.
In order to celebrate the occasion, China Eastern Airlines and Sweden’s state-owned airport operator Swedavia Airports organised an inauguration ceremony at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Passengers aboard the first flight received a selection of commemorative gifts, including snacks and stationery.
“Investing in a direct route from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Shanghai is a clear sign of strong confidence in the Swedish air travel market. China Eastern will play an important role in connecting Sweden to China and other well-established markets in Asia. Swedavia’s main goal is to increase connectivity, and China Eastern’s large network facilitates people to meet, whether for business, tourism, or to visit family and friends,” commented Mats Johannesson, President and CEO of Swedavia AB.
Let's step into a dream where Chinese historical figures appear in a modern #CEAir cabin. ✈️
— China Eastern Airlines (@CEAirglobal) June 10, 2026
Above the clouds, timeless stories of Chinese culture and heritage come alive in a new way. #InternationalDayforDialogueamongCivilizations pic.twitter.com/A1UjMVfIw5
The route connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Stockholm Arlanda Airport is expected to have a positive impact on the local hospitality industry and on the economy. According to Elizabeth Axtelius, director of aviation business at Swedavia Airports, the route’s return has long been awaited in order to facilitate traffic.
China is Sweden’s largest trading partner in Asia, which underlines the importance of a reliable passenger and cargo connection between the two countries. At the moment of writing, China has a 30-day visa-free policy for Swedish citizens, as well as a 240-hour transit visa-free program.
Going forward, China Eastern will be operating three weekly flights between the Chinese and Swedish airports. On Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, a plane will be leaving Shanghai at 2:50 pm local time and arriving in Stockholm at 8:10 pm local time, taking approximately 11.5 hours to reach its destination. The aircraft will then return to Shanghai, leaving Stockholm at 10:40 pm and arriving at its destination the following day after a journey of about 10 hours.
The reinstatement of the connection between Shanghai and Stockholm strengthens China Eastern Airlines’ presence in Europe. At the moment of writing, the carrier operates 28 European routes, thus serving 18 cities across the continent. In the future, other European destinations, including long-haul services to Tbilisi and Dublin, may be added to the offer.
