Delta Air Lines moved its passenger operations at Shanghai Pudong International Airport from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 on April 13. The relocation places Delta alongside its codeshare partners, China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern.
The change is part of Delta’s ongoing strategy to strengthen cooperation and expand services in China. By operating from Terminal 1, Delta can offer smoother connections and a more seamless travel experience for customers transferring between China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines and Delta flights. Passengers will also gain access to enhanced lounge and elite benefits available through the SkyTeam alliance.
China Eastern is opening a new 4,000-square-foot SkyTeam Lounge in Terminal 1 in late 2015. Delta customers traveling through Terminal 1 will be eligible for SkyTeam Elite privileges, including priority check-in, priority boarding and preferred seating, making transfers and international travel more convenient and comfortable.
This terminal consolidation is intended to improve operational efficiency and passenger convenience by centralizing partner carrier services in a single location. For travelers, the move reduces connection times, simplifies baggage transfers and offers better access to allied carrier facilities within Terminal 1.
Delta’s decision to colocate with China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines reflects a broader trend among global carriers to align operations with partner airlines at major hubs. Such arrangements typically aim to streamline passenger flow, enhance the connectivity of flight schedules and provide consistent customer service standards across partner networks.
Passengers flying with Delta or its Shanghai-based partners should check their tickets and flight itineraries for the updated terminal information and arrive at Terminal 1 for departures and connections. Travelers who require assistance can contact Delta or their operating carrier for up-to-date guidance on check-in locations, lounge access and other airport services.
Overall, the move to Terminal 1 supports improved transfer experiences for international and domestic passengers at Shanghai Pudong, while reinforcing Delta’s partnership with China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines as it expands its presence in the Chinese market.