Cheap Flights To Shanghai (PVG, SHA) | 2026 Deals, Routes & Tips

Finding Cheap Flights To Shanghai

Shanghai is served by two major international airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), the primary hub for international and long-haul arrivals, and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), which mainly handles domestic and regional arrivals. This dual-hub system provides immense choice and competition, making Shanghai one of Asia's best airports for finding flight deals into the city.

The most frequent and affordable flights to Shanghai are domestic routes from virtually every city in China. Key domestic departure points include Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), Chengdu (TFU), and Xi'an (XIY) into SHA or PVG. Internationally, PVG is a global aviation powerhouse with extensive arrival networks from North America, Europe, Australia, and particularly strong competition on routes from across Asia into PVG. Top international arrival routes into Shanghai include from Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), Singapore (SIN), Los Angeles (LAX), and London (LHR).

The market for arrivals into Shanghai is intensely competitive. China Eastern Airlines uses Shanghai as its global hub for incoming flights, while Air China and China Southern have major operations into PVG and SHA. Spring Airlines, a leading low-cost carrier, has a huge base at both airports, driving down prices on many arrival routes into Shanghai. Dozens of international airlines compete fiercely at PVG, including United, Delta, ANA, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates flying into Shanghai.

To secure cheap flights to Shanghai, book domestic arrivals 2-6 weeks in advance into SHA or PVG. For international arrivals into PVG, start searching 2-5 months ahead and set fare alerts. Always compare arrival airports (PVG for international/long-haul arrivals, SHA for domestic/regional arrivals) and airlines, especially Spring Airlines for budget options into Shanghai. Use Shanghai's hub status to find competitive connecting fares from worldwide origins. Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) into Shanghai consistently offers the lowest prices. Avoid major Chinese holidays when fares into PVG/SHA surge.