Siberian Airports Set to Expand China Routes with New Flights to Shanghai and Guangzhou

Travelers between Siberia and China will have more options in the coming years, as Siberian Airports Group announces plans to launch new flights to several Chinese destinations, including Shanghai and Guangzhou. The expansion, slated for the summer season of 2026, aims to significantly broaden the network and increase flight frequencies on existing routes.

Yulia Elrikh, CEO of Siberian Airports, confirmed the plans in an interview, stating that the summer program is expected to boost total passenger traffic on China-bound flights by 25% compared to 2025 levels. "We anticipate a substantial growth in connectivity," Elrikh said, highlighting the group's commitment to meeting rising demand.

As of late 2025, the group's airports served 11 routes to China. Since the start of 2026, new services have already been added to Yichang, Dalian, and Guangzhou via Harbin. Frequencies on flights to Beijing have also been ramped up, with some airports now operating up to 28 weekly departures. Additionally, charter flights to Taiyuan and Datong have been launched, offering more flexibility for leisure and business travelers.

The move signals a deepening of air links between Russia's Siberian region and key Chinese cities, reflecting growing economic and tourism ties. For passengers, it means more direct connections and shorter travel times to major hubs like Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as secondary cities that were previously harder to reach. The group expects the expanded network to cater to both business and leisure travelers, with competitive pricing and improved scheduling.