Shanghai fast-tracks its rise as a global aviation hub

So far this year, around 1.15 million foreign visitors have entered Shanghai via visa-free policies, accounting for half of all inbound travelers — a 2.4x year-on-year increase.

This momentum is further supported by rapid route expansion and service innovation. Backed by favorable policies and a growing international network, Shanghai is solidifying its position as the gateway to China and accelerating its development into a global aviation hub.

More international routes, broader global reach

China Eastern Airlines, for example, is rapidly expanding its international network and is set to launch new routes to Milan, Geneva, Copenhagen, Almaty, and more this summer. It has also opened new flights to Istanbul, Riyadh, Venice, and more.

Notably, several of these routes — such as Shanghai to Venice, Marseille, and Kazan — are the first of their kind in China. As a result, travelers not only from the Yangtze River Delta but also from other regions in China, as well as from Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, are choosing Shanghai as a connection point for these rare routes.

Enriching the passenger experience with culture and content

What's more, some airlines are transforming air travel into a cultural journey. China Eastern Airlines' Shanghai Museum-themed aircraft features onboard exhibitions, videos, and themed decor — flying on routes such as Paris, Frankfurt, and New York. Passengers can also win bundled tickets to Shanghai Disney Resort and major museums, making flights more immersive and memorable.

To further integrate different modes of transportation, China Eastern Airlines' air-rail service now connects 47 cities and 792 railway stations across China, already serving over 2.4 million travelers. A new interline agreement with Air China enables flexible ticket transfers on the high-demand Shanghai–Beijing route.

Robust growth highlights Shanghai's hub status

In the first quarter of this year, Pudong International Airport handled 49,700 international flights, up 21.07 percent year-on-year, and served 7.72 million international passengers, up nearly 30 percent.