Shenzhen-Osaka route resumes ahead of World Expo 2025

China Southern Airlines officially resumed its Shenzhen-Osaka route, effective yesterday, coinciding with the launch of the 2025 summer-autumn flight season.

The daily service marks a strategic expansion of China-Japan air connectivity as Osaka prepares to host the World Expo 2025.

The route will use an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, with flight CZ8425 departing from Shenzhen at 9:30 a.m. (Beijing Time) and arriving at Kansai International Airport at 2:15 p.m. (Japan Time). Return flight CZ8426 will depart from Osaka at 3:30 p.m. (Japan Time) and arrive in Shenzhen at 6:45 p.m. (Beijing Time). 

The resumption comes as Osaka anticipates hosting 28 million visitors for Expo 2025, scheduled from April 13 to Oct. 13. Aviation analysts note that the route's revival strengthens business and tourism links between two innovation hubs — Shenzhen's tech ecosystem and Osaka's advanced manufacturing sector.

The cities have deepened ties since signing a 2018 cooperation memorandum, which culminated in the 2023 Shenzhen-Osaka Innovation Forum. Industry observers expect the renewed air link to further accelerate knowledge exchange in smart city development and green technology. 

Hainan Airlines currently operates a competing daily service (HU713/714) on the route, reflecting growing demand. The dual-carrier operation now offers travelers with morning and evening flight options between the cities.

China Southern's new summer-autumn schedule features significant network expansion from Shenzhen. The airline will increase weekly international flights from 76 to 105, including three weekly flights to Mexico City, 11 weekly flights to Bangkok, and 11 weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh/Hanoi.

In the new season, domestic trunk routes will maintain high frequencies, with 13 daily flights to Beijing, 12 to Shanghai, and eight to Hangzhou.

Capitalizing on the "Hong Kongers Going North" trend, the airline has partnered with CTS Bus to offer a 55% discount on Hong Kong-Shenzhen Airport cross-border bus tickets for China Southern Airlines passengers (March-May 2025). International travelers can also access dedicated English-language counters at the Shenzhen Airport.