China Eastern considers launching a Shanghai–Belgrade route

Belgrade is among the cities for which China Eastern Airlines has initiated a feasibility study for the potential introduction of a new direct flight from Shanghai. This information was published as part of an official announcement on the comprehensive upgrade of its international route network during 2026.

As stated in the announcement distributed via the Business Wire platform, the Chinese airline plans to expand its presence in the European and Asian markets by launching new routes, increasing frequencies on existing routes, and conducting detailed analyses of additional destinations.

Among the cities included in the assessment, in addition to Belgrade, are Prague, Bucharest, Birmingham, Lyon, and Davao in the Philippines. The feasibility study includes an analysis of market demand, commercial viability, operational capacity, and regulatory conditions, after which a decision is made on the possible launch of flights.

At this stage, no start date for operations has been announced, nor has it been confirmed that the Shanghai–Belgrade route will actually be introduced, but its consideration indicates the growing importance of Serbia in the context of China’s aviation plans for Europe.

China Eastern Airlines is one of the largest airlines in China, founded in 1988, with its base in Shanghai and a large international network covering Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. It belongs to the “big three” Chinese state-owned airlines, which also include China Southern Airlines and Air China.

It should be recalled that a direct air connection between Belgrade and Shanghai was introduced last year by the Serbian flag carrier Air Serbia, while a year earlier it launched a regular route between Belgrade and Guangzhou.

B. P.

China Eastern Airlines

Shanghai–Belgrade route

feasibility study