China Eastern Airlines weighs direct flights to Azerbaijan in Shanghai talks

Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency has held talks with China Eastern Airlines on the possible launch of direct flights to Azerbaijan, with the potential of a Shanghai–Baku route among the ideas discussed. The meeting took place in Shanghai on 6 November 2026. No launch date, schedule or fare has been announced.

Key facts

• Talks held in Shanghai on 6 November 2026 between Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency and China Eastern Airlines
• Direct flights between Shanghai and Baku were highlighted as having significant potential
• Holders of ordinary Chinese passports can enter Azerbaijan without a visa under an agreement signed 23 April 2025
• Current direct services: three flights a week Baku–Beijing (Azerbaijan Airlines) and five a week Baku–Urumqi (China Southern Airlines)
• Chinese visitors to Azerbaijan reached 63,500 in 2025, up 41.7% on 2024

What is being discussed?

State Tourism Agency Chairman Fuad Naghiyev met China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing to explore the airline launching flights to Azerbaijan, expanding air links and raising tourist numbers in both directions. Also present were Heydar Aliyev International Airport Director Teymur Hasanov, Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) CEO Florian Sengstschmid and Deputy CEO Rashad Aliyev.

Naghiyev said the agency was ready to support the airline in starting flights to Azerbaijan. The two sides discussed subsidy mechanisms under the state programme for tourism development, airport incentives and joint marketing opportunities. Wang Zhiqing noted the market potential and development prospects of direct flights between Shanghai and Baku.

Do Chinese travellers need a visa?

No. Under the agreement between the governments of Azerbaijan and China on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports, signed on 23 April 2025, Chinese citizens can travel to Azerbaijan without visas. Wang Zhiqing said the mutual abolition of visa requirements had given a long-term boost to the aviation market between the two countries.

Which flights operate now?

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flies directly between Baku and Beijing three times a week, while China Southern Airlines operates five direct flights a week between Baku and Urumqi. The source does not state when any China Eastern Airlines service might begin.

What this means for travellers

For now, travellers between China and Azerbaijan have the existing Baku–Beijing and Baku–Urumqi services to choose from; a possible Shanghai–Baku connection remains under discussion. Chinese passport holders planning a trip can already enter Azerbaijan visa-free with an ordinary passport. Check current schedules with the airlines before booking, since no new route has been confirmed.

Visitor numbers continue to grow: 63,500 Chinese citizens visited Azerbaijan in 2025, 41.7% more than in 2024, and 61,001 arrived in January–October 2026, up 7% year-on-year. The ATB's representative office in Beijing has been operating since 29 May 2026, and promotional campaigns run on Chinese social media and travel platforms. No further decisions or dates have been made public.