India’s Airlines, Air India, has announced the re-opening of direct flights from Delhi to Shanghai after six years. The flights will resume from 1 February 2026, marking Air India’s return to the country after six long years.
As per reports, Air India also plans to start non-stop flights from Mumbai to Shanghai next year, if conditions permit. Air India’s Boeing 787-8 is said to operate for four days a week between the two destinations. The model features 18 flat beds in the Business class and 238 seats in the spacious economy class.
The decision by Air India comes weeks after India and China eased diplomatic links and restored their contacts, removing the pause in air traffic since the 2020 standoff. The first-ever Air India flight to China took off in the year 2000. The CEO and MD of Air India, Campbell Wilson, said that the resumption of flights between Delhi and Shanghai is not just about a route, but it is an important step to connect the two great civilisations, which are also economic leaders.
He welcomes the launch as a new opportunity for travellers across businesses, education opportunities, and the health sector. Indigo has also resumed flights to China. The Kolkata to Guangzhou flight started on October 26 in South China, while the flight from Delhi to Guangzhou started on 10 November.
After the resumption of the flight in February, Shanghai will be the 48th International location to be served by Air India. The new channel will increase exposure to pharmaceutical, technology, and several other sectors, as bookings for the same have already been opened at various platforms.
