After more than five years of suspended air links, India and China restored direct passenger flights in October 2025. The move, announced after a series of technical-level discussions and diplomatic engagements between the two governments, marks a significant thaw in aviation and people-to-people connectivity between the two most populous countries and neighbours. IndiGo was the first to offer flights to Guangzhou from Kolkata and Delhi. Next up, China Eastern announced flights from the Chinese side to fly into Delhi. Now, Air India has finally announced its return to China.
Air India to return to Shanghai in February 2026
Air India today announced the resumption of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG), effective February 1, 2026, marking Air India’s return to mainland China after nearly six years. Subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, Air India also intends to introduce non-stop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026.
Air India will operate four times a week between Delhi and Shanghai, using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The aircraft features 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class.
Air India 787-8
The reinstatement of Air India’s services to Shanghai follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored the air links, which were paused in early 2020. Air India first launched non-stop services to mainland China in October 2000.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said,
The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India.
Here is the flight schedule.
The restored air link is expected to boost further exchanges in pharmaceuticals, technology, education, and several other spheres.
Bookings for Air India’s flights between Delhi and Shanghai are being progressively opened on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide.
Bottomline
India-China connectivity has been restored after a five-year hiatus. IndiGo has launched flights to Guangzhou from both Kolkata and Delhi, and China Eastern Airlines has begun services from Shanghai to Delhi. Air India has now announced the resumption of services 4 times weekly to Shanghai from Delhi. They also intend to launch Mumbai-Shanghai flights in 2026.
What do you think of the direct connectivity between the neighbours coming back online? Will this affect flights via Hong Kong and other SEA nations into China?
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