China Eastern launches direct Barcelona–Shanghai route with four weekly flights

China Eastern Airlines officially inaugurated its new direct flight route between Barcelona and Shanghai on Friday, offering four weekly connections (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays).

The new service, which will operate with an Airbus A350-900 featuring interior branding inspired by Barcelona's top attractions, joins existing direct connections between Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Beijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, the latter of which has been served by Air China with three weekly flights since August last year.

This new route responds to an increasing demand for direct air travel between Catalonia and China, with passenger numbers rising by 64% so far this year.

The inaugural flight departed from Shanghai with 284 passengers – 95% of capacity – and landed in Barcelona just before 9am, departing again at 10:55am. 

During the launch event, Manel Nadal, Catalonia's mobility and infrastructure secretary, emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening connections with Asia, particularly China.

He welcomed the addition of four new weekly flights through China Eastern and recalled just over a year ago attending the ceremony marking the resumption of Air China's Barcelona–Shanghai route.

“Now, although it's a challenge, our priority is to establish direct flights to Japan," Nadal added.

Nadal stressed that to continue growing and attracting "high-value" intercontinental routes, Barcelona-El Prat Airport must be expanded.

"The airport is nearing a significant saturation point," he warned, adding that this situation will put increasing pressure on airport facilities over the next three to four years.

The Spanish government's delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto, noted that Barcelona surpassed its passenger record last year, handling over 55 million travelers, and that expanding the airport is essential for consolidating its status as a top-tier international hub. 

Studies show that a 10% increase in air connectivity translates to a 0.5% rise in GDP, Prieto said, representing "a direct boost to the local economy" that should be further encouraged.

Other officials in attendance, including representatives from China Eastern and the Chinese Consul General in Barcelona, Meng Yuhong, praised the new direct link as a step forward in strengthening economic and cultural ties.