Sydney Airport is set to welcome its newest China-based carrier, with Shenzhen Airlines to launch its inaugural four-times-weekly service between Shenzhen and Sydney on 14 December 2026.

The new service will bring the number of weekly flights to Mainland China to more than 100 during the upcoming Christmas and Lunar New Year peak period.

Following a visitor surge during Lunar New Year 2026, airlines are boosting their flight schedules for the 2027 holiday period.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows international visitation to Australia surpassed pre-pandemic levels in February 2026, led by Lunar New Year arrivals from China.

A total of 943,220 trips to Australia were recorded, an increase of 155,450 (19.7 per cent) year-on-year. China was the largest source country for Australia, accounting for 23.3 per cent of all visitor arrivals (220,170 trips).

China also led arrivals for NSW at 94,980, compared to 81,090 in February 2019.

New service adds 130,000 seats

The new service will operate four times per week using an Airbus A333, adding approximately 130,000 seats annually and supporting an estimated 100,000 passengers each year.

The arrival of Shenzhen Airlines will take the number of carriers operating at Sydney Airport to a record 55, underscoring Sydney Airport’s role as Australia’s largest airport and the nation’s leading international gateway.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “We’re pleased to welcome Shenzhen Airlines to Sydney Airport and support the launch of this important 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 percent year-on-year.

“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: “We are delighted to launch Shenzhen Airlines’ first service to Sydney, connecting one of China’s most dynamic and innovative cities with Australia’s leading international gateway.

“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.

“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.