Air India To Resume Delhi–Shanghai Non-Stop Flights From February 2026

Air India announced on November 17, 2025, that it will resume non-stop flights between New Delhi and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) from February 1, 2026, marking the airline’s return to mainland China after almost six years of suspension. The airline will operate four weekly rotations on its long-haul Boeing 787-8 fleet. The carrier positioned Shanghai as the 48th international destination in its network and signalled plans to add Mumbai–Shanghai later in 2026, subject to approvals. The announcement follows a wider reopening of direct India–China air links this year after routes were suspended during the COVID period and subsequently curtailed for almost six years.

For passengers, this means more direct connectivity for business, trade, and tourism between two of the region’s largest cities, and improved options for connecting travellers from Air India’s wider network. Industry reports note that other carriers have already restarted selective services (for example, India-China routes such as Kolkata–Guangzhou), signalling a broader thaw in aviation ties and commercial demand.

Direct scheduled services between India and mainland China were largely suspended in early 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed international travel. Over the following years, a mix of pandemic-era restrictions, slot and bilateral negotiations and geopolitical sensitivities kept many routes thin or dormant. The gradual resumption of direct services in late 2025 and Air India’s February 2026 restart reflect both improved bilateral aviation agreements and commercial confidence in restoring capacity on high-value city pairs.

Practical Advisories And What To Check Before You Travel

Travellers should verify visa and entry rules for China (which can change) and check consular advisories from the Indian mission in Shanghai for local guidance and updates. The Consulate General of India in Shanghai publishes region-specific advisories for Indian nationals, and the Ministry of External Affairs lists country alerts that travellers should consult before departure. Airlines will provide schedule and booking details as the launch date approaches; passengers should confirm baggage rules, transit protocols and any public-health requirements at both ends.

Air India’s move is part of a noticeable reopening of the India–China air corridor: other carriers and proposed routes have been reported in filings and industry briefs, and more frequencies or city pairs (including Mumbai–Shanghai) are expected if bilateral approvals and market demand align. Regulators and airlines will finalise slots, frequencies and timings over the coming months, and passengers can expect bookings to open through airline channels and travel agents.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

1. When will Air India resume direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai?

Air India will restart its non-stop Delhi–Shanghai service on February 1, 2026, operating four flights per week on Boeing 787 aircraft.

2. Why were India–China direct flights suspended for so long?

Flights were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by prolonged restrictions, bilateral negotiations and operational challenges that kept routes dormant for nearly six years.

3. Will Air India launch flights between Mumbai and Shanghai as well?

Yes, Air India has indicated plans for Mumbai–Shanghai services later in 2026, pending regulatory approvals and slot availability.

4. What should travellers check before flying to Shanghai?

Travellers must verify current Chinese visa rules, entry requirements, consular advisories and airline-specific baggage and transit guidelines, as these can change frequently.

5. Which other India–China routes have resumed recently?

Some carriers have already restarted services such as Kolkata–Guangzhou, reflecting the broader reopening of India–China aviation links in 2025.