Shenzhen Airlines will launch direct flights between Shenzhen and Sydney from 14 December 2026, becoming the tenth Chinese carrier flying to Sydney Airport. The new service will see Shenzhen Airlines join China Southern on the Shenzhen-Sydney route, adding around 130,000 seats a year.
Sydney will be Shenzhen Airlines' second Australian destination, following the launch of Melbourne flights in December 2025. The Star Alliance carrier will operate between Shenzhen and Sydney four times per week:
- ZH815 Shenzhen to Sydney: departs 00:20, arrives 13:40 (9h 55m)
- ZH816 Sydney to Shenzhen: departs 22:30, arrives 05:25+1 (10h 20m)
The route will be served by Airbus A330-300 aircraft, configured with 18 business, 24 premium economy and 267 economy seats. Unfortunately for those up front, business class is a dated 2-2-2 layout, but seats do lie-flat.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton welcomed the new service, noting "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," he adds.
Tickets for the new route are already available to book via Shenzhen Airlines.
The new Shenzhen Airlines service follows yesterday's announcement that EgyptAir plans to launch flights connecting Cairo, Singapore and Sydney from 2027, creating a new air link between Australia and Egypt.
Summing Up
Shenzhen Airlines won't be the only carrier flying the Sydney-Shenzhen route, with China Southern already operating non-stop flights between the two cities. China Southern is worth a look if you're flying in business class, as they offer a superior layout with direct aisle access on most Sydney flights.
Shenzhen Airlines' arrival takes the total number of carriers at Sydney Airport to a record 55, reinforcing Sydney's position as a major gateway for Australian travellers.
