China Eastern Airlines Announces Shanghai–Dublin, Tbilisi, and Cheongju Direct Routes for Summer 2026
China Eastern Airlines announced three new direct routes from Shanghai Pudong to Dublin, Tbilisi, and Cheongju, launching in June and July 2026. The Shanghai–Dublin route marks the first nonstop connection between China and Ireland.
Key takeaway
China Eastern Airlines announced on June 22, 2026, three new direct international routes from Shanghai Pudong: to Dublin (Ireland), Tbilisi (Georgia), and Cheongju (South Korea), launching in June and July 2026. The Dublin route marks the first-ever nonstop connection between China and Ireland. A Shanghai–Mumbai route is also under preparation.
Full report
What Changed
On June 22, 2026, Shi Yanyan, a senior manager in China Eastern Airlines' marketing department, told the Global Times that the carrier will roll out new international routes from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to three destinations across Europe and Asia in June and July 2026.
The three newly announced routes are:
-
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Dublin (DUB), Ireland — The first-ever nonstop air link between China and Ireland. Dublin becomes China Eastern's newest European destination, joining existing routes to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Geneva, Zurich, and Stockholm.
-
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Tbilisi (TBS), Georgia — A new Caucasus-region connection that gives travelers direct access to Georgia, a rapidly growing tourism destination at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
-
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Cheongju (CJJ), South Korea — Expanding China Eastern's Korean network beyond Seoul (Incheon) to serve central South Korea.
According to the Global Times, the airline is also preparing an additional route to Mumbai, India, though no launch date has been confirmed. The announcement came as China Eastern simultaneously resumed its Shanghai–Stockholm service on June 22, 2026 after a six-year hiatus, and launched Shanghai–Zurich on June 18, 2026 — part of an aggressive international expansion strategy.
What to do next
- Monitor China Eastern's website (ceair.com) for booking availability in the coming weeks. 2. Set Google Flights alerts for PVG–DUB and PVG–TBS to catch fares immediately. 3. Check your visa eligibility: Irish passport holders need a Chinese visa, Georgian and Korean travelers enjoy visa-free or streamlined access.
What may vary
Exact launch dates and flight frequencies depend on CAAC and foreign aviation authority approvals, aircraft availability, and airport slot allocations. The Mumbai route is under preparation but not confirmed for 2026.
FAQ
When can I book the new Shanghai–Dublin direct flight?
China Eastern announced the route on June 22, 2026, with a June–July 2026 launch window. Exact booking dates have not been confirmed. Monitor ceair.com for updates. The route will likely be bookable 2–4 weeks before the first flight per China Eastern's typical scheduling pattern.
Do Irish citizens need a visa to visit China in 2026?
Ireland is not on China's 30-day unilateral visa-free list as of June 2026. Irish passport holders must apply for a Chinese visa (typically an L visa for tourism) at the Chinese Embassy in Dublin or via the China Visa Application Service Center before travel.
Is there any other direct flight from China to Ireland?
No. As of June 2026, the China Eastern Shanghai–Dublin route is the only nonstop air link between mainland China and the Republic of Ireland. Previously, all China–Ireland travel required a connection through a European or Middle Eastern hub.