Melbourne will become Shenzhen Airlines’s first Australian destination, with direct flights beginning on 23 December.
The airline’s flights to Melbourne will operate three times a week, using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The route will host more than 95,000 seats each year.
“Shenzhen Airlines’ decision to choose Melbourne as its first Australian destination reinforces Melbourne Airport’s position as Australia’s 24/7 international gateway,” said Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos. “This announcement is a significant milestone in Melbourne Airport’s international growth story as we continue to bring competition and choice into the market for our passengers.”
“Shenzhen is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city for travellers to explore, but it’s also a global hub for tech, electronics, and manufacturing that Victorian producers will now have direct access to.”
China is Victoria’s largest international visitor market, according to the state’s government. Around 411,000 Chinese travellers spent $2.9 billion in Victoria in the twelve months to March 2025.
The agreement was funded through the Visit Victoria Industry Partnership Program, the state’s $7 million scheme to encourage tourism through cooperative marketing with industry partners.
Shenzhen Airlines is Melbourne Airport’s 10th Chinese airline, joining carriers like China Airlines and Hainan Airlines. It will also be the airport’s 40th international carrier.
Melbourne Airport’s international terminal reported its busiest ever July last month, with 1.04 million passengers. Across the 2024-2025 financial year, it reached a record 11.9 million international passengers.
Melbourne Airport is aiming to expand its international terminal, as well as upgrade its international baggage system.
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