The new direct route Shanghai-Athens was formally announced at a reception held in Athens by the Athens International Airport and Juneyao Air on March 6, 2024.

During the event, statistical data were presented regarding the tourist flows between the two tourist markets, China and Greece, with an emphasis on the benefits that the new air connection will bring. The route will operate 3 times a week starting in April 2024, with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering a premium cabin and an economy cabin.

Juneyao Air is the only and first Chinese airline to operate a direct Shanghai-Athens route, and the route is part of the company’s plan to offer increased global connectivity from China.

Lysandros Tsilidis, president of the FedHATTA, said in his remarks at the reception: “The launch of the new direct route with Athens opens up new prospects in China’s large and strategic outbound tourism market, which was delayed to “open” after the pandemic and is now expected to develop rapidly. At FedHATTA, one of the strongest connecting links of Greek tourism with foreign markets, we are delighted with this development.”

Athens International Airport’s Director of Communications & Marketing, Ioanna Papadopoulou, said: “Shanghai has until now recorded the highest rates of passenger traffic to Athens via intermediate airports, so the launch of the direct connection for the first time is one of the most important developments for the airport, the city and our country.”