BEIJING, October 18, 2025 — In a major boost to regional connectivity and diplomatic relations, China Eastern Airlines (600115.SS) has announced it will resume direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi from November 9, 2025, marking the end of a five-year suspension of air travel between China and India.

According to the airline’s official website, flights will operate three times a week — on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays — signaling the gradual normalization of ties between the two Asian giants. The announcement follows months of high-level diplomatic engagement aimed at restoring trade, travel, and cultural exchanges after years of political tension and border disputes.

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Flight Resumption Follows Modi’s Landmark Visit to China

The decision to reopen air routes comes shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China, his first in over seven years. Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where both nations discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation and reduce trade imbalances.

During the summit, Chinese and Indian officials reportedly agreed to revive people-to-people connectivity, which had been severely disrupted following the 2020 border conflict that led to the suspension of direct flights.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed earlier this month that both sides had reached a mutual understanding to resume commercial air services, calling it a “positive step toward rebuilding trust and economic engagement.”

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China Eastern Airlines and IndiGo Lead Aviation Reconnect

The Shanghai–Delhi flight marks the first major commercial route reopening between the two countries. China Eastern Airlines — one of China’s three largest state-backed carriers — will be the first to restart operations, followed closely by IndiGo (INGL.NS), India’s largest private airline.

IndiGo recently announced plans to launch daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, expanding its footprint in the Chinese market. The move complements Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen aviation ties through key regional hubs like Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which has expressed interest in opening additional routes to Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

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A Turning Point in India-China Relations

Diplomatic observers see the resumption of flights as an important milestone in improving India-China relations, which have been strained since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. The confrontation led to a halt in bilateral tourism, education exchanges, and business travel.

Now, with both economies seeking to stabilize post-pandemic growth and expand trade, direct air connectivity is being viewed as a symbol of cautious optimism. Analysts note that reopening flight routes is often a precursor to broader normalization across sectors like investment, logistics, and technology collaboration.

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Passenger Demand and Trade Revival Expected

The resumption of the Shanghai-Delhi route is expected to stimulate cross-border business and leisure travel. Prior to the 2020 suspension, more than 1 million passengers annually traveled between the two nations, making the corridor one of Asia’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Industry experts predict that passenger demand will rebound rapidly, supported by easing visa restrictions, strong business interest, and revived tourism campaigns. Additionally, air cargo operations could see a boost, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and renewable energy components, where India and China maintain deep trade interdependence.

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Statements and Industry Outlook

While China Eastern Airlines has yet to issue an official press release, sources indicate that the airline is coordinating with both governments to ensure smooth visa and customs processes for passengers.
Meanwhile, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport reiterated its commitment to supporting more direct routes to India, calling it a “strategic market for regional connectivity.”

A senior aviation analyst in Shanghai commented, “The reopening of these routes is more than just a commercial decision — it reflects a diplomatic thaw and growing recognition of the economic necessity of collaboration between the two largest economies in Asia.”

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Key Highlights:

• China Eastern Airlines to resume Shanghai–Delhi flights from November 9, 2025.
• Flights to operate three times weekly: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Move follows PM Modi’s China visit and diplomatic efforts to rebuild ties.
• IndiGo to launch Kolkata–Guangzhou daily flights, further restoring air links.
• Marks the first major air connectivity between the nations since 2020.