Shenzhen Airlines is set to launch a new four-times-weekly service connecting Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) in China and Sydney Airport (SYD) in Australia starting December 14, 2026. The route will further strengthen air links between Australia and China, marking Shenzhen Airlines' entry as Sydney Airport's newest carrier.
The upcoming service will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, adding approximately 130,000 seats annually and supporting an estimated 100,000 passengers each year. Flight ZH815 is scheduled to depart Shenzhen at 00:20 local time and arrive at Sydney Airport at 13:40 local time. The return flight, ZH816, is scheduled to depart Sydney at 22:30 local time and arrive in Shenzhen at 05:25 local time the following day.
The addition of Shenzhen Airlines will increase the total number of airlines operating at Sydney Airport to a record 55, while making Shenzhen Airlines the airport's tenth Chinese-based carrier. Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Scott Charlton stated that China remains one of the airport's most important international markets, with Chinese nationals forming the second-largest international traveler group after a 13.9% year-on-year increase in second-quarter 2026 traffic data.
Shenzhen ranked as Sydney Airport's seventh-largest mainland China destination in 2025, with direct annual passenger traffic growing 16% year-on-year to reach 56,000 passengers. Shenzhen Airlines Chairman Li Shuxing declared that the airline is pleased to launch its first service to Sydney as an important addition to its international network, expected to provide greater choice and convenience for travelers while supporting tourism, trade, and cultural ties between China and Australia.
