China Eastern Airlines commenced three-times-weekly nonstop service between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Dublin Airport (DUB) on July 20, 2026, marking the first-ever scheduled nonstop passenger service between Ireland and mainland China. The route is operated by an Airbus A350-900 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in each direction.
The service was made possible by a bilateral Air Services Agreement between Ireland and China. Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, confirmed: "China is a significant growth market for Ireland, and we now have a direct Dublin to Shanghai flight for the first time," per Simple Flying.
Dublin Airport operator daa described the route as the airport's longest-ever scheduled nonstop service, per RTÉ. Deputy CEO Nick Cole called it "a significant addition to the airport's long-haul network" and said it reinforces Ireland's commitment to improving connectivity with key global markets.
China Eastern, a SkyTeam member headquartered in Shanghai, has aggressively expanded its European network through summer 2026, adding routes to Zurich, Stockholm, and other cities. With Dublin, the airline's European footprint grows to 14 destinations across 12 countries, according to Simple Flying. Previously, travelers between Ireland and China required a connection through a European or Middle Eastern hub.
The route also bolsters business and tourism ties between the two countries, with China representing a growing inbound tourism market for Ireland.
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Things to do at each end of the route
Top-rated tours & experiences in Dublin and Shanghai.