Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Air India Resumes Delhi-Shanghai Flights After Six Years
Air India has started flying directly from Delhi to Shanghai again after stopping for nearly six years.
The first flight left Shanghai with over 230 passengers on a big plane called a Boeing 787.
This flight happens four times a week and is a good sign for people traveling between India and China for work, school, or visiting family.
A important person from the Indian office in Shanghai said this is great for making the two countries work together better.
Air India might also start flying from Mumbai to Shanghai next year if they get permission.
This is all part of making things better between India and China after some tough times.
Some people think this is a good idea because it helps with trade and travel, while others think it should be done carefully because of past problems.
Air India has resumed direct non-stop flights between New Delhi and Shanghai after a nearly six-year suspension.
The inaugural flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport with over 230 passengers on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
The service will operate four times a week, reflecting rising demand for travel between India and China.
Consul General Pratik Mathur welcomed the development, highlighting its importance for trade, tourism, and academic exchanges.
Air India plans to potentially add Mumbai-Shanghai flights later in 2026, subject to approvals.
- Who
- Air India
- What
- Resumed direct non-stop flights between New Delhi and Shanghai
- When
- Inaugural flight departed on Sunday (exact date not specified)
- Where
- Between Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Why
- To restore a key aviation link and meet growing demand for travel between India and China
Pro-Connectivity Stance
Cautious Approach
Flight Resumption
Pro-Connectivity Stance
The resumption of direct flights is a positive step for enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between India and China.
Cautious Approach
Some may argue that the resumption of flights should be approached cautiously given the historical tensions and recent border disputes.
Economic and Diplomatic Relations
Pro-Connectivity Stance
Improved air connectivity will strengthen economic ties and facilitate people-to-people contacts, which are essential for bilateral relations.
Cautious Approach
Others might suggest that economic and diplomatic relations should be normalized more gradually to ensure long-term stability.
- Route
- Delhi-Shanghai
- Frequency
- 4 times a week
- Aircraft
- Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Passenger Capacity
- More than 230
- Departure Time (Delhi)
- 12:00 hrs IST
- Arrival Time (Shanghai)
- 20:20 hrs
- Return Flight Departure (Shanghai)
- 22:00 hrs
- Return Flight Arrival (Delhi)
- 03:15 hrs (next day)
- Consul General
- Pratik Mathur
- Potential Future Route
- Mumbai-Shanghai (subject to approvals)
Sources
Air India resumes direct Delhi-Shanghai flights after nearly six years
Air India launches Shanghai-Delhi flight after gap of about six years
Air India resumes Shanghai–Delhi direct flight after six-year gap
