Air India Resumes Delhi-Shanghai Direct Flights After Six Years: Strengthening India-China Air Connectivity

Air India has announced the restoration of non-stop flight services between Delhi and Shanghai, China, scheduled to commence on February 1, 2026, marking the carrier's return to mainland China following a nearly six-year hiatus.

The airline also revealed plans to introduce non-stop flights connecting Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

According to Air India, the Delhi-Shanghai route will operate four times weekly utilizing Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which features 18 flat bed seats in Business Class and 238 Economy Class seats offering generous space for passengers.

With the addition of Shanghai, Air India group now serves 48 international destinations, maintaining its position as India's leading carrier for international passenger traffic.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "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."

Wilson added, "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."

This service restoration follows recent diplomatic agreements between India and China that have enabled the resumption of air links that were suspended in early 2020. Air India initially launched non-stop services to mainland China in October 2000.

The reestablished air connection is expected to enhance exchanges in various sectors including pharmaceuticals, technology, education, and numerous other fields.

Air India has stated that bookings for these Delhi-Shanghai flights are being progressively opened across all reservation channels.

In related news, budget carrier IndiGo has already begun operating daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, China.

Regarding this development, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer at IndiGo, commented, "Following the successful resumption of our Kolkata-Guangzhou flights, we are delighted to further expand IndiGo's presence in China with this new daily connection from Delhi."