Shanghai has launched a new air route to Geneva, further strengthening international connectivity.

The launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of China-Switzerland diplomatic ties and "China-Switzerland Cultural and Tourism Year", offering more travel options and easier access to other European destinations.

China Eastern Airlines flight MU217 arrived at Geneva Airport from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 1:41 am on June 16, carrying more than 200 passengers.

Two passengers pose with a placard commemorating the establishment of Shanghai's first direct air route to Geneva at Pudong airport on June 16. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport]

The route operates four times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Flights depart from Pudong airport at 1:30 am and arrive in Geneva at 7:50 am local time. Return flights depart from Geneva Airport at noon local time and arrive in Shanghai at 5:30 am the following day.

With the establishment of the Shanghai-Geneva air route, the city's European airline network now encompasses 15 cities, including key hubs such as Paris, London, Athens, Venice, Marseille, and Geneva.

In the first five months of 2025, Shanghai's airports recorded over 16 million international passenger trips, a 23 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, Pudong airport was ranked the best air hub in the Asia-Pacific region for aviation connectivity in 2024 by Airports Council International.

To meet rising summer travel demand, Shanghai will launch new routes to destinations such as Almaty, Kazakhstan and Kumamoto, Japan, while increasing flight frequencies on existing routes to Milan and Kuala Lumpur.