China Eastern Connects Dublin and Shanghai with New Non-Stop Service

A new chapter in Ireland–China connectivity begins this summer as China Eastern Airlines launches a new non-stop service between Dublin and Shanghai. The route will commence on 20 July 2026 and operate three times weekly, providing Ireland with a direct link to one of Asia’s most important economic, cultural and tourism centres. 

China Eastern is one of China’s leading international airlines and a member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. The carrier has earned international recognition through the prestigious Skytrax airline rating programme and is consistently ranked among the world’s leading airlines.

Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern operates a global network connecting Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America and the Middle East. Through its hub at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the airline offers seamless onward connections to destinations throughout China and across the Asia-Pacific region.

For Dublin Airport, the new service represents a significant milestone. The Shanghai route will become Dublin Airport’s longest-ever scheduled non-stop service and reinforce the airport’s ambition to strengthen connectivity with key global markets in Asia. The new link is expected to support tourism, trade, business investment, education and cultural exchange between Ireland and China. 

A Modern Long-Haul Experience

China Eastern will operate the Dublin–Shanghai route using its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900, one of the most advanced and environmentally efficient long-haul aircraft in service today. The A350 is designed to deliver significant sustainability benefits, consuming around 25% less fuel and producing up to 25% fewer carbon emissions compared with older-generation aircraft. 

Passengers can expect a modern three-class cabin featuring:

• Business Class with fully flat-bed seats for maximum comfort on the long-haul journey.

• Premium Economy offering extra space, enhanced dining, and greater privacy.

• Economy Class with ergonomically designed seating and advanced in-flight entertainment. 

The aircraft is renowned for its quieter cabin, larger windows, improved humidity levels and lower cabin altitude, all of which help reduce fatigue and enhance passenger wellbeing during long-haul travel. 

Dining on board reflects both international and Chinese influences, with passengers enjoying a selection of hot meals, snacks and beverages designed to showcase regional flavours while catering to global tastes. Business Class passengers can expect premium dining and an enhanced beverage offering, while travellers across all cabins benefit from attentive hospitality and service.

Staying connected in the air is easier than ever. China Eastern recently announced complimentary Wi-Fi on all wide-body aircraft, allowing passengers on the Dublin–Shanghai A350 service to browse, message and stay connected throughout their journey.

The airline has earned international recognition for its service quality and operational standards, consistently ranking among Asia’s leading global carriers and serving millions of passengers annually across an extensive worldwide network.

Why Shanghai?

Shanghai is often described as the city where modern China meets traditional China. Home to more than 25 million people, it is China’s largest city, its financial capital and one of the world’s most dynamic international destinations.

Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as The Bund, with its spectacular riverside skyline, the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui, the historic Yu Garden, world-class shopping districts and a vibrant food scene that ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street markets.

Beyond the city itself, Shanghai serves as a gateway to wider China and Asia. Through China Eastern’s extensive network, travellers from Dublin can conveniently connect onwards to destinations including Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Hangzhou, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Bali and many more.

Whether travelling for business, leisure, education or cultural discovery, Shanghai offers a compelling blend of innovation, history, entertainment and opportunity. Now, with a direct connection from Dublin, one of Asia’s most exciting cities has never been more accessible.

Even Easier to Visit China

Travelling to Shanghai has never been easier with direct flights from Dublin and a 30-day visa-free policy for Irish passport holders, there has never been a better time to discover Shanghai.

Meet Chen Gan – General Manager of China Eastern Airlines Dublin Office

China Eastern Airlines is proud to introduce Chen Gan as the General Manager of our Dublin office, a key leadership role driving the airline’s growing presence in Ireland.

With extensive experience in international aviation management, Chen Gan brings a wealth of expertise to the Irish market. Prior to his current appointment, he successfully led regional operations across Southeast Asia, where he honed his skills in market development, cross-cultural team leadership, and strategic partnership building.

In his current capacity, Chen Gan is responsible for the full spectrum of the Dublin office’s operations, including regulatory establishment, local market expansion, and high-level engagement with Irish government bodies, enterprise partners, and tourism institutions. His primary focus is on deepening the localisation strategy following the launch of the direct Shanghai–Dublin route, ensuring that China Eastern not only connects two vibrant destinations but also delivers a seamless, culturally attuned travel experience for both Irish and Chinese passengers.

Under his stewardship, the Dublin office is committed to fostering stronger ties between Ireland and China—whether through business travel, tourism, or cultural exchange. Chen Gan’s hands-on approach and deep understanding of the aviation landscape make him a trusted partner to Ireland’s travel trade community.

We look forward to working closely with our Irish partners to unlock new opportunities and elevate the travel experience between our two countries. For partnership opportunities or enquiries, Chen Gan can be contacted directly at chengan@ceair.com.