Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Air India Secures Clearance for Direct Flights to China
Air India is getting ready to fly directly to China again!
They've gotten permission to start flights from Delhi to Shanghai, and might also get approval for flights from Mumbai to Shanghai.
These flights are expected to start in December.
This is exciting because flights between India and China stopped for five years.
Now that they are starting again, it's hoped that more people can travel for fun, work, or school between the two countries.
It's also good for businesses because more people traveling directly means money stays within India and China instead of going to other countries' airlines.
Another airline, IndiGo, has already started flying to China from other Indian cities.
Air India has received regulatory clearance for direct flights from India to China.
The airline has secured approval to launch services from Delhi to Shanghai.
There is a possibility of a second clearance for flights between Mumbai and Shanghai.
Flights are anticipated to commence in December, marking a resumption after a five-year hiatus.
The re-establishment of direct flights is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, tourism, and business travel.
- Who
- Air India (Tata Group-promoted)
- What
- Received regulatory clearance to operate direct flights from India to China.
- When
- Flights expected to begin in December.
- Where
- Delhi to Shanghai, with potential for Mumbai to Shanghai.
- Why
- To boost bilateral trade, tourism, and business travel, and to retain earnings within the two countries.
Potential Flight Hub
Previous Operations
Primary Departure City
Potential Flight Hub
A decision on whether flights will operate from Delhi or Mumbai to Shanghai will be made after receiving a second set of approvals.
Previous Operations
Air India previously operated direct services from Mumbai to Shanghai five years ago.
Flight Routing
Potential Flight Hub
There is a strong possibility of Air India operating flights from Mumbai to Delhi and then onwards to Shanghai.
Previous Operations
The airline operated direct services between Mumbai and Shanghai.
- Airline
- Air India
- Promoter
- Tata Group
- Approved Route
- Delhi to Shanghai
- Expected Start
- December
- Previous Operation
- Mumbai to Shanghai (5 years ago)
- Resumption Context
- Services between India and China resumed after a five-year pause.