China Eastern Airlines Adds Winter Flights and Upgrades First and Business Class Service
China Eastern Airlines increases flight frequencies on over 180 routes worldwide and upgrades lounges and First and Business Class services for the 2026-2027 winter schedule.
China Eastern Airlines has announced increased flight frequencies on international and regional routes, alongside upgraded services for First and Business Class passengers, to support its 2026 to 2027 winter flight schedule, which officially takes effect from 25 October 2026. The airline operates across more than 180 routes in 40 countries and territories worldwide, averaging more than 430 flights per day.
On international routes, the airline is set to resume direct flights from Adelaide to Shanghai, increase frequencies on routes from Buenos Aires and Auckland to Shanghai, and add seasonal flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Shanghai. In addition, it is increasing flights on Shanghai routes connecting with Frankfurt, London and Vancouver, while routes from Dublin, Stockholm and Tbilisi to Shanghai, which launched this past summer, will continue operating throughout this winter.
Asian and Thai Routes Receive Increased Frequencies
For routes within the Asian region, the airline is increasing flight frequencies connecting Shanghai to Bali, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, as well as the Kunming to Bangkok and Chiang Mai routes frequently used by Thai and Chinese travellers. Key routes such as Shanghai to Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul, along with Kunming to Bangkok and Qingdao to Seoul, will operate at high frequencies to meet winter travel demand.
Upgraded Lounges and In-Flight Services
To provide a better experience while waiting to board and during transit, the airline has refurbished its self-operated lounges at major airports in Shanghai, Beijing and Xi'an, allocating dedicated areas for First and Business Class passengers and adding more than 400 seats. It has also expanded the variety of seasonal food and beverages, including the signature MU Noodles menu highlighting local flavours. Eligible First and Business Class passengers can also use complimentary airport transfer services in many major cities across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and Oceania, along with benefits through the application for international passengers and a dedicated premium customer care hotline.
On board, the airline has refreshed its dining menu using premium ingredients for First and Business Class passengers across 12 long-haul routes from Shanghai to destinations such as New York, Paris and London. It has also expanded its signature MU Tea beverage menu with a new collection featuring alcoholic drinks, coffee and sparkling tea, as well as specially crafted recipes. Furthermore, First and Business Class passengers on all wide-body aircraft can enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout their journey.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Winter flight schedule start date | 25 October 2026 |
| Number of international and regional routes | More than 180 routes in 40 countries and territories |
| Average daily flights | More than 430 flights |
| Additional seats in lounges | More than 400 seats (Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an) |
| Routes with new in-flight dining menus | 12 long-haul routes from Shanghai, such as New York, Paris, London |
| Website | www.ceair.com |
This news is of interest to tourists and travel industry professionals travelling between Thailand and China via the Kunming, Bangkok and Chiang Mai routes, as well as MICE organisers and corporate representatives coordinating travel for executives or premium passengers this winter.