China Eastern has launched a new nonstop route between Nanjing, China (NKG), and Vancouver, Canada (YVR). The service operates three times weekly, linking Nanjing Lukou International Airport with Vancouver International Airport.
This addition expands China Eastern’s existing trans-Pacific network to Vancouver; the carrier has served the city daily from Shanghai since 2004. The new Nanjing flights will continue onward to Kunming (KMG), complementing the airline’s Shanghai services and enhancing connectivity within China.
Teresa Wat, British Columbia’s Minister of International Trade, Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism, highlighted the route’s economic significance: “As we expand our trade network into China’s mid-sized cities, direct transportation connections like this one will play a major role in driving two-way trade and partnerships.” She noted the route will support initiatives under the memorandum of understanding between British Columbia and Jiangsu province to strengthen trade ties and grow the technology sector in both regions.
The route is expected to boost tourism, business travel and bilateral trade between British Columbia and Jiangsu province by providing a direct and convenient gateway for visitors and commercial partners.
Operations use an Airbus A330-200, with scheduled flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The westbound service departs Nanjing at 2:00 p.m. and arrives in Vancouver at 8:30 a.m. the same day; the eastbound return leaves Vancouver at 10:30 a.m. and arrives in Nanjing at 2:55 p.m. the following day.
Craig Richmond, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport (YVR), welcomed the new service: “We want to thank our long-standing partner, China Eastern, for choosing YVR to introduce this new connection between Vancouver and Nanjing, a renowned Chinese historical epicenter and a key economic hub. This is another exciting first for YVR — offering passengers the only non-stop access to Nanjing in all of Canada.”
By adding Nanjing to its Vancouver schedule, China Eastern strengthens direct links between western Canada and eastern China, supporting leisure travel, business exchanges and broader economic cooperation. Travelers and trade partners now have a regular, nonstop option that reduces travel time and simplifies connections across the Pacific and within China.