| Mainland China's second-largest carrier will now operate daily year-round services from Shanghai to Brisbane, with China Eastern Airlines increasing capacity from 15 June 2026.
The permanent move from 5 flights per week to 7 will deliver an annual capacity of almost 100,000 seats between Shanghai and Brisbane.
The route connects Queensland directly with one of the world's largest hubs, offering seamless connections to 244 destinations from Shanghai including other Chinese cities, Asia, Europe and North America.
Shanghai also serves as a vital economic gateway for mainland China, with the increased capacity supporting trade and investment opportunities between Queensland and China.
Visitors from China remain Brisbane Airport's third largest inbound international market. Passengers travelling on Chinese passports rose by 19% to 315,000 annual passengers in 2025.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said China Eastern Airlines increased frequency reinforced Brisbane's reputation as a globally connected gateway to Australia for Asian travellers.
"Chinese visitors are an important market for Brisbane and they're also among the highest spenders. Daily flights will give Chinese visitors the confidence and convenience to choose Queensland first and discover our beaches, wildlife, food and lifestyle.
"The boost in capacity will also help deepen business, cultural and trade ties with China, boosting export capacity on the route.
"China Eastern Airlines' daily flights will also give Queenslanders seamless access to China's vast domestic network and beyond.
"Australians can now enjoy a taste of China on their travels with visa-free stopovers up to 30 days to savour Shanghai's soup dumplings and pork buns, embark on a shopping spree on Nanjing Road and marvel at the famous light displays at The Bund."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the year-round-daily flights would take Queensland tourism to new heights.
"Queensland is the home of the holiday, and more direct flights mean even more visitors can experience our world-class destinations," Minister Powell said.
"Daily year-round services from Shanghai will welcome thousands of additional travellers, supporting our tourism operators right across the state.
"Every new flight into Queensland delivers a boost to our economy, strengthening local businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring our visitor industry continues to thrive." The increased capacity is supported by the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport through the Connecting Queensland Fund.
China Eastern General Manager Brisbane Cathy Huang said the capacity increase would help facilitate connection between Australia and China.
"As China Eastern Airlines continues to increase its flight frequency on the Brisbane route, economic cooperation and connectivity between China and Australia will become even closer, paving a more efficient and convenient air corridor for business travel, cultural exchanges, and tourism.
"Seizing this strategic opportunity, China Eastern Airlines will further strengthen its role as an 'air bridge' facilitating two-way exchanges between China and Australia, contributing to the advancement of bilateral economic cooperation, cultural engagement, and family visit travel."
More than 25 million passengers are expected through Brisbane Airport this year.
Brisbane Airport is now connected to 35 international destinations.
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