According to data from Flight Master’s DAST system, there were 189 one-way direct flights from Shanghai Pudong to Osaka between April 6 and April 12—an average of 27 flights per day, or nearly one departure every hour.
A host of airlines operate on this highly competitive route, including Spring Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Juneyao Air, Shanghai Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air China, ANA, Japan Airlines, and Peach Aviation.
Spring Airlines stands out as the dominant player, operating up to eight flights daily. With its aggressive low-fare strategy, the Chinese low-cost carrier has captured a large share of price-sensitive travelers.
Notably, the Shanghai Pudong-Osaka Kansai route ranks first in flight frequency across Spring Airlines’ entire network.
Industry experts note a clear segmentation of passenger preferences: business travelers tend to choose full-service carriers like China Eastern and Japan Airlines for their punctuality, comprehensive service, and convenience. In contrast, leisure travelers gravitate towards budget carriers such as Spring Airlines and Peach Aviation for their attractive fares. This divergence is intensifying competition between legacy and no-frills airlines on the route.
