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Air India Resumes Shanghai-Delhi Flights After 6-Year Hiatus, Boosting India-China Ties

Air India has resumed direct flight services between Shanghai and New Delhi after a suspension of nearly six years. The inaugural flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport carrying over 230 passengers. The route will be operated four times a week using Boeing 787-8 aircraft to facilitate enhanced connectivity. Indian officials state the restoration is crucial for strengthening bilateral engagement in trade, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.

Key Points: Air India Restarts Direct Shanghai to New Delhi Flights

  • Flights resume after nearly six-year gap
  • Service will operate four times weekly
  • Uses Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft
  • Aims to boost trade, tourism, and academic exchanges
2 min read

Air India resumes direct Shanghai-New Delhi flights after nearly six years

Air India resumes direct Shanghai-New Delhi flights after 6 years, enhancing India-China connectivity for trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

"The resumption... is a tangible expression of the renewed momentum in India-China engagement. - Consul General Pratik Mathur"

Shanghai, February 1

The Consulate General of India in Shanghai, under the leadership of Consul General Pratik Mathur, warmly welcomed the resumption of Air India's direct flight services between Shanghai and New Delhi, marking a major step forward in restoring people-to-people, business and institutional connectivity between India and China.

According to an official release, the inaugural Shanghai-New Delhi flight departed today from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, carrying over 230 passengers on board the Boeing 787 aircraft. The relaunch comes after a gap of nearly six years and represents a significant milestone in normalising bilateral air connectivity following the suspension of services in early 2020.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Pratik Mathur said, "The resumption of direct flights between Shanghai and New Delhi is a tangible expression of the renewed momentum in India-China engagement. Enhanced air connectivity is essential for facilitating trade, tourism, academic exchanges and people-to-people contacts, particularly between India and East China. We are pleased to see Air India restoring this important link."

As per a release, Air India will operate the route four times a week using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring modernised cabins and enhanced onboard services. The restored service reflects the growing demand for travel between the two countries and the steady recovery of cross-border mobility. It will also support commercial, educational and cultural exchanges between India and the Yangtze River Delta region, one of China's most economically dynamic clusters.

The Consulate General of India in Shanghai remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen connectivity and deepen cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchange, the release stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A very positive step for people-to-people ties. My sister is studying at Fudan University in Shanghai. This direct flight will make it much easier and cheaper for our family to visit her. More such connections, please! Cultural and academic exchanges will truly benefit.
R
Rohit P
Good move economically, but we must proceed with clear-eyed realism. While connectivity is important, our national security and border integrity remain non-negotiable. Engagement should not come at the cost of our core interests. Hope the government maintains this balance.
M
Michael C
As someone who works in the logistics sector, this is a welcome development. The Yangtze River Delta is a manufacturing powerhouse. Direct air cargo capacity (in the belly of these passenger flights) will streamline supply chains for many Indian importers. Efficiency boost!
S
Shreya B
Finally! I've been waiting for this route to restart. Planning a trip to explore Shanghai and Hangzhou. Hoping the fares are competitive. It's been nearly six years too long. More flights mean more tourists in both directions, which is good for everyone.
K
Karthik V
A pragmatic step. The world is interconnected, and we cannot isolate ourselves. This resumption, after the pandemic hiatus, signals a slow but steady normalization. However, I sincerely hope Air India has improved its service standards on this premium route. The Dreamliner is a good start.

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