One of China's largest airlines, China Eastern, has returned to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. On June 22, a new direct route was launched to one of China's largest hubs, Shanghai Pudong International Airport. China Eastern will be an important addition to the offerings at Stockholm Arlanda, connecting the Swedish capital with Shanghai, China's financial and commercial hub.
– The investment in a direct route from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Shanghai is a clear sign of strong confidence in the Swedish aviation market. China Eastern will play an important role in connecting Sweden with China and other well-established markets in Asia. Swedavia’s primary goal is to increase accessibility, and China Eastern's extensive network will make it easier for people to meet, whether for business, tourism, or to visit family and friends, says Mats Johannesson, CEO of Swedavia AB.
China is Sweden's largest trading partner in Asia, and Shanghai is the base for many large Swedish companies. The new route will benefit trade exchanges between the countries, as well as be of great importance for the tourism industry. Furthermore, valuable and time-critical freight will benefit from shorter and faster delivery times. Moreover, the route will serve as an important link to the rest of China and Asia thanks to China Eastern's extensive network.
– China Eastern Airlines is very pleased to be able to resume direct flights between Stockholm Arlanda and Shanghai Pudong. This route not only serves as a bridge connecting Sweden and China, but also embodies a deep friendship between our countries, says Haipin Liu, General Manager, China Eastern Airlines Europe Marketing Centre. China's introduction of 30-day visa-free entry for Swedish citizens and 240-hour visa-free transit for travellers will significantly facilitate travel, business and visits to China. The new direct route eliminates long transfer times, making travel between our two countries faster, easier and more convenient.
Starting on 22 June 2026, China Eastern will operate Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) – Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) three times a week, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Om China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shanghai, is one of the three largest state-owned airlines in China. The company is listed on both the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges. China Eastern has a fleet of over 820 aircraft, a fleet that is one of the youngest in the world. As a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, China Eastern has a network covering more than 1,000 destinations in 160 countries and regions, serves over 150 million passengers annually, and ranks among the top ten airlines globally.
