Updated on: October 18, 2025 | 7:31 PM IST

New Delhi — In a significant development for travellers and a positive signal for India-China relations, China Eastern Airlines has announced the resumption of its direct round-trip flights between Shanghai and New Delhi starting November 9. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts by both countries to restore normal connectivity and strengthen people-to-people ties after a prolonged hiatus in direct air services.

The airline confirmed that the flights between the two major cities will operate three times a week — on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. According to the official schedule, the outbound flight will depart from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport at 12:50 PM and land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 5:45 PM (local time). The return flight from Delhi is set to take off at 7:55 PM and reach Shanghai at 4:10 AM the following day. Ticket sales for the new route have already begun, with strong interest reported from both business and leisure travellers.

This resumption of flights marks the revival of direct air connectivity between the two nations after five years. The suspension of flights began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued amid geopolitical and diplomatic challenges between India and China. The breakthrough decision to reinstate direct services was announced following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin in August 2025.

According to diplomatic sources, the reopening of air routes is being viewed as a confidence-building measure aimed at improving bilateral ties strained in recent years. The resumption of passenger services is also expected to benefit trade, tourism, and academic exchange between the two countries. Shanghai, as China’s commercial and financial hub, has long been a key destination for Indian businesses and professionals, while Delhi serves as an important entry point for Chinese investors and entrepreneurs.

The airline’s spokesperson said the decision to restart operations on this high-demand route aligns with China Eastern’s broader international expansion strategy. “We are pleased to reconnect the economic and cultural capitals of China and India. This route has always held great potential, and we look forward to serving travellers once again with safe, efficient, and comfortable services,” the statement read.

The announcement from China Eastern comes shortly after IndiGo, India’s largest airline, revealed its own plans to expand connectivity with China. Earlier this month, IndiGo confirmed that it would begin daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou from October 26. The carrier also indicated that it plans to launch Delhi–Guangzhou flights in the coming months, subject to regulatory approvals. The expansion of routes by both carriers underscores a gradual but notable rebound in air connectivity between India and China.

Aviation analysts note that the resumption of these flights will play an important role in facilitating the return of students, professionals, and business travellers who have faced difficulties due to limited air options in recent years. Before the suspension of direct flights, routes such as Delhi–Shanghai and Delhi–Beijing were among the most popular international corridors for corporate travel.

Industry experts also anticipate that renewed connectivity will bolster economic exchange, particularly as India and China continue to engage in trade despite diplomatic complexities. China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, and the resumption of direct passenger flights is expected to enhance logistical efficiency and foster people-to-people exchanges that could further business ties.

With airfares on connecting routes between the two countries having remained high since 2020, the reintroduction of direct flights could also help bring down ticket prices and offer travellers faster, more convenient options.

As of now, both countries are working on expanding air traffic rights and re-establishing flight corridors between additional cities. Talks are reportedly underway to restore direct services linking Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengduwith Delhi and Mumbai in the near future.

For now, the return of the Shanghai–Delhi route marks an important step in the gradual revival of cross-border travel and cooperation between Asia’s two largest economies — signalling that, even amid differences, avenues for engagement and mutual benefit are being cautiously reopened.