At 1:41 AM on June 16th, China Eastern Airlines flight MU217 carrying 243 passengers took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Geneva International Airport in Switzerland, officially inaugurating Shanghai’s first direct flight to Geneva.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland and the “China-Switzerland Culture and Tourism Year,” the new flight route offers more options for passengers traveling to Geneva and further connecting to other European cities.
The route is operated by an Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft, with four flights a week. Departures from Pudong International Airport are scheduled at 1:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, arriving at Geneva International Airport at 7:50 AM local time. Return flights leave Geneva at 12:00 PM local time on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, arriving in Shanghai the next day at 5:30 AM.
With the inauguration of this new route, the number of destinations in Europe from Shanghai has increased to 15, including major hubs like Paris, London, Athens, Venice, Marseille, and Geneva.
Thanks to policies such as visa
About: Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China, is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major aviation hub in Asia. It opened in 1999 to alleviate congestion at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and to accommodate international flights. The airport has since undergone several expansions, including the addition of a third runway and a second terminal, to support its rapid growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
About: Geneva International Airport
Geneva International Airport, also known as Genève Aéroport, is located 4 km northwest of Geneva city center in Switzerland. It was initially opened in 1920 and has grown to become one of the main air traffic hubs in Europe, serving as a gateway to the French Alps and as a major operational base for easyJet Switzerland. The airport features two passenger terminals and is uniquely positioned with both Swiss and French sectors, allowing travelers to enter both countries directly.
About: Paris
Paris, the capital city of France, is renowned for its rich history, art, and architecture. Founded in the 3rd century BC by a Celtic tribe known as the Parisii, it became a major European center of power, culture, and commerce by the Middle Ages. Today, Paris is celebrated for iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
About: London
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a historic city that dates back to Roman times when it was known as Londinium. Situated on the River Thames, it has been a major settlement for two millennia and is now a leading global city in arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, and tourism. The city is rich in landmarks including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, reflecting its diverse history and cultural significance.
About: Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the world’s oldest cities with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. Known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, the city boasts landmarks such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel adorned with ancient buildings epitomizing the achievements of classical Greek culture. Athens has evolved into a bustling metropolis while maintaining its rich historical heritage, making it a pivotal city in both ancient and contemporary times.
About: Venice
Venice, a city in northeastern Italy, is renowned for its unique structure of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. Founded in the 5th century, the city became a major maritime power during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Known for its architectural beauty and artistic heritage, Venice is also famous for its historical significance in symphonic and operatic music, and it plays host to the Venice Biennale, an international cultural festival.
About: Marseille
Marseille, located in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast, is the country’s oldest city, founded by Greek traders around 600 BCE under the name Massalia. It has a rich history shaped by various cultures, evident in its diverse architecture and cuisine. Today, Marseille is known for its vibrant port, multicultural population, and landmarks like the historic Le Panier neighborhood, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and the modern MuCEM museum, reflecting its blend of old and new.
About: Geneva
Geneva is a global city and financial hub located at the southern tip of expansive Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Renowned for its pivotal role in international diplomacy, it hosts the headquarters of numerous major international organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross. Historically, Geneva was associated with the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, significantly influenced by John Calvin, and has been a center for arts and science, contributing richly to European culture and intellectualism.
