China Eastern Airlines Launches Flight Service to Vienna Airport as of April 2026: Direct connection to Xi’an for the first time
| Press releases
Vienna Airport is further expanding its long-haul route network. China Eastern Airlines, one of the biggest carriers in the People’s Republic of China, will launch scheduled flight operations to Vienna for the first time starting on 20 April 2026. At the same time, Xi’an will be directly accessible from Vienna for the very first time. The historic imperial city ranks as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in China and is internationally renowned, above all due to the Terracotta Army. The airline will operate three weekly flights throughout the entire year, deploying an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. China is one of Vienna Airport’s most important and strategic long-distance passenger markets. The new direct flight connection strengthens the airport’s international connectivity, creates new travel possibilities for business and leisure travellers, and provides important impetus for business and tourism in Austria.
“The Chinese travel market is clearly gaining momentum again. Together with China Eastern Airlines and the new direct service to Xi’an, we are further strengthening Vienna’s international connectivity and expanding our role as a key gateway between Europe and Asia. This provides targeted momentum for Austria as a business and tourism destination, with travellers in both directions benefiting equally,” states Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.
“China is one of Vienna’s most important long-haul source markets, which we address exclusively in the luxury segment. The new non-stop connection to Xi’an opens up additional opportunities in a strong and dynamic economic market with a culturally engaged audience that generates significant value creation for our city. We are particularly pleased that, measured by accommodation revenue, China has returned to the Top 10 after the pandemic-related hiatus – a clear indication of the strong luxury affinity of Chinese visitors and a powerful driver in delivering on our strategic objectives,” explains Norbert Kettner, CEO of Vienna Tourist Board.
Xi’an – Historic imperial city and international cultural centre
Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities and served as the starting point of the legendary Silk Road for centuries. This metropolis is well-known across the globe, especially thanks to the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attracts millions of visitors each year. Today Xi’an is a significant cultural, educational, and technological centre in Western China and is increasingly gaining in economic importance internationally.
Three weekly nonstop flights from Vienna to Xi’an
As of 20 April 2026, China Eastern Airlines will operate three weekly flights (Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays) linking Vienna and Xi’an. The departing flight will take off from Vienna at 1:30 p.m. and arrive in Xi’an at 5:50 a.m. on the next day. The return flight from Xi’an will leave at 01:30 a.m. and land in Vienna on the next day at 6:10 a.m.
China Eastern Airlines: One of the largest airlines in the People’s Republic of China and SkyTeam member
China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s biggest airlines, maintains dual headquarters in Shanghai and Beijing, and operates an extensive route network of global destinations from there. At present, China Eastern Airlines has a fleet of over 800 aircrafts, including the youngest and biggest fleet of widebody aircraft featuring leading commercial and technical models, serving over 150 million passengers annually and ranking among the world’s top ten airlines. The airline is a member of SkyTeam, the second largest airline alliance in the world. More information on China Eastern Airlines and booking possibilities are available at https://de.ceair.com/de/.
Contact:
Press Office of Flughafen Wien AG
Peter Kleemann, Company Spokesman
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E-Mail: p.kleemann@viennaairport.com
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