Melbourne Airport has welcomed Shenzhen Airlines, its tenth Chinese carrier, marking a significant expansion in air travel between Victoria and China. The new direct route, commencing December 23, is set to boost tourism and trade, adding approximately 95,000 seats annually and enhancing connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- Shenzhen Airlines launches its first Australian route to Melbourne.
- The addition makes it the tenth Chinese airline operating to Melbourne.
- The new service is expected to add 95,000 seats per year.
- This move reinforces Melbourne’s status as a key international gateway.
- The flights are anticipated to significantly benefit Victoria’s tourism and export sectors.
New Direct Flights Boost Victoria-China Connectivity
Shenzhen Airlines will operate three return flights per week between Melbourne and Shenzhen, utilising Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This new service is a major development for Melbourne Airport, which experienced its busiest July for international travel on record, with over 1 million passengers passing through its international terminal. This growth reflects an overall increase in international passenger numbers for Melbourne, up by more than 8.3 per cent in the 2024-25 financial year.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Melbourne Airport’s Chief of Aviation, Jim Parashos, highlighted the strategic importance of this new route, stating that it reinforces Melbourne’s position as Australia’s 24/7 international gateway. The direct flights to Shenzhen, a major hub for technology, electronics, and manufacturing, will provide Victorian producers with direct access to these key industries. Shenzhen Airlines’ Vice President, Na Na, emphasised that the route serves as a vital air bridge, deepening ties between China’s Greater Bay Area and Victoria, and facilitating two-way flows of trade, education, and cultural exchanges.
Strong Growth in Chinese Tourism
The Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, welcomed the announcement, calling it a “huge boost to our economy.” Chinese travellers are Victoria’s largest international market, with around 411,000 visitors spending $2.9 billion in the year ending March 2025, representing a 23.3 per cent year-on-year increase. These new flights are expected to further enhance this growth, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses, while also increasing air freight capacity for Victorian exporters.
Sources
- Melbourne Airport gets its 10th Chinese airline – Australian Aviation, Australian Aviation.
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