Sydney Airport is set to welcome its newest Chinese carrier, with Shenzhen Airlines launching its inaugural four-times-weekly service between Shenzhen and Sydney on 14 December 2026 – further strengthening connectivity between Australia and China.
The new service will operate four times per week using an Airbus A330-300, adding approximately 130,000 seats annually and supporting an estimated 100,000 passengers each year.
It follows yesterday’s announcement that EgyptAir also has plans to launch a new service connecting Cairo, Singapore and Sydney from 2027 – creating a new air link between Australia and Egypt.
The arrival of Shenzhen Airlines will take the number of carriers operating at Sydney Airport to a record 55, underscoring the airport’s role as Australia’s largest airport and the nation’s leading international gateway.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the airport was pleased to welcome Shenzhen Airlines and support the launch of the new service between Sydney and Shenzhen.
“China remains one of Sydney Airport’s most important international markets, with Chinese nationals the airport’s second-largest international traveller group – up 13.9 per cent year-on-year,” Charlton said.
“This new route will provide passengers with direct access to one of China’s most dynamic cities, as well as onward connections across Shenzhen Airlines’ extensive domestic and international network across Asia and Europe.”
Shenzhen Airlines chairman Li Shuxing said the carrier was delighted to launch its first service to Sydney, connecting one of China’s most dynamic and innovative cities with Australia’s leading international gateway. Melbourne was Shenzen Airlines’ first destination with direct flights between the two cities set to taking off from 23 December last year.
“This new route will provide greater choice and convenience for travellers between Shenzhen and Sydney, while supporting stronger tourism, trade and cultural links between China and Australia,” Li said.
“Sydney is an important destination for our international network, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board and working closely with Sydney Airport to make this service a success.”
Often referred to as China’s “Silicon Valley”, Shenzhen is one of Sydney Airport’s fastest-growing mainland China markets, and was the airport’s seventh-largest mainland China destination in 2025 for passengers travelling directly between the two cities, with passenger numbers growing 16 per cent year-on-year to reach 56,000 annually.
