Dublin Airport has welcomed the commencement of a new non-stop service between Dublin and Shanghai this morning (2o July 2026.)
The new route, operated by China Eastern, provides Ireland with its first direct connection to China’s largest city and one of Asia’s leading economic and cultural centres.
The new service will utilise China Eastern’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft and operate three-times-weekly.
The inbound flight, MU231, landed at Dublin Airport shortly after 07.30, while the inaugural outbound flight (MU232) to Shanghai departed around 11.30.
The new route represents a significant milestone for Dublin Airport, becoming its longest-ever scheduled non-stop service and further strengthening Ireland’s connectivity with one of the world’s most important aviation markets.
Nick Cole, Deputy CEO of daa, the operator of Dublin Airport highlighted, “We’re delighted to welcome China Eastern to Dublin Airport and to celebrate the launch of this exciting new direct service to Shanghai. This route is a significant addition to Dublin Airport’s long-haul network and reinforces our commitment to improving connectivity between Ireland and key global markets. China is an increasingly important market for tourism, business, education and trade, and this new service will create new opportunities for travellers in both directions while making it easier than ever for visitors from China to experience everything Ireland has to offer.”
The service is expected to boost tourism, trade, inward investment, education and cultural links between Ireland and China, while also providing convenient onward connections across China and the Asia-Pacific region through China Eastern’s hub at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Easter Airlines further added, “The A350 aircraft of China Eastern Airlines travelled a great distance and finally landed at the beautiful Dublin Airport. It marks the successful inaugural flight of Shanghai–Dublin. It also signifies a new, convenient, and efficient air corridor between China and Ireland. Aviation connects cities, carries friendship, and promotes cooperation. China Eastern Airlines is ready to take this new route as a bond to work closer with Irish partners from all fields. We hope that this route across Eurasia will serve as an important bridge, connecting people of two countries.”
