New Route of the Day (22 June 2026): China Eastern Airlines between Shanghai PVG and Stockholm ARN

China Eastern Airlines introduced flights between Shanghai PVG and Stockholm ARN on Monday 22 June. The 7,795-kilometre route will be maintained 3-weekly, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with the A330-300 aircraft. The carrier faces no competition on the route.

Flight MU289 departs Shanghai PVG at 14:50 local time, arriving at Stockholm ARN at 20:10 local time. The return service, operating as flight MU290, takes off at 22:40 local time, arriving back at Pudong Airport at 14:35 local time the following afternoon.

What they said

Haipin Liu, General Manager at China Eastern Airlines, said: “It is a great honour for China Eastern Airlines to mark the resumption of nonstop flights between Stockholm Arlanda and Shanghai Pudong. Serving as a bridge linking Sweden and China together, this route embodies profound friendship between our two countries and a brand-new chapter in   Sweden – China ties.  China’s current 30-day visa-free policy for Swedish citizen and 240- hour transit visa-free program will greatly facilitate travel, business and visits to China. Our direct service eliminates lengthy transfers, making travel between our two countries faster, easier and more comfortable.”

Mats Johannesson, President and CEO of airport operator Swedavia, added: “Investing in a direct route from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Shanghai is a clear sign of strong confidence in the Swedish air travel market. China Eastern will play an important role in connecting Sweden to China and other well-established markets in Asia. Swedavia’s main goal is to increase connectivity and China Eastern’s large network facilitates for people to meet, whether for business, tourism or to visit family and friends.”

China Eastern Airlines returns after six years

China Eastern Airlines last served Stockholm ARN until the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

China is Sweden’s largest trading partner in Asia, and Shanghai is the base for many major Swedish companies.

Data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China shows that during the 2026 summer season, China’s international routes will reach 86 countries and regions, with international flights growing steadily.

A total of 191 airlines are scheduled to operate 21,047 international flights per week during the current season, a 1.8% increase year-on-year.