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

Air India has resumed its non-stop Delhi-Shanghai flight service after a suspension of nearly six years, marking a significant step in normalizing bilateral air connectivity. Consul General of India to Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, attended the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest, handing out the first boarding passes. He emphasized that enhanced air links will boost people-to-people contacts, business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between India and China. The route will be operated four times a week using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, supporting connectivity with China's economically vital Yangtze River Delta region.

Key Points: Air India Restarts Delhi-Shanghai Flights After 6-Year Gap

  • Flight resumed after 6-year gap
  • Route to operate 4 times weekly
  • Over 230 passengers on inaugural flight
  • Aims to boost trade and tourism
  • Part of India's growing aviation sector
2 min read

Indian Consul General in Shanghai attends Air India's inaugural ceremony of flights

India's Consul General in Shanghai highlights boosted connectivity, trade, and tourism as Air India resumes direct flights to China after nearly six years.

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

Shanghai, February 1

Consulate General of India to Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, attended the inaugural ceremony of Air India's resumed non-stop Delhi-Shanghai flight at Pudong International Airport, marking a renewed chapter after nearly six years as the Chief Guest.

Mathur highlighted the 'three Kartavyas' underlined by the Union Budget 2026 and how India has booming opportunities for growth.

In a post on X, the Consulate said, "A Milestone in Connectivity! CG Pratik Mathur was the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of Air India's resumed non-stop Delhi-Shanghai flight at Pudong International Airport, marking a renewed chapter after nearly six years. Consul General handed over the first boarding passes to Smt. Jaiswal and Mr. Lai to celebrate this historic restart. In his remarks, Consul General highlighted how enhanced air links will boost people-to-people contacts, business, tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations."

"Driven by the 3 Kartavyas philosophy as underlined in the Union Budget 2026, Consul General also highlighted growth opportunities offered by India's booming economy and our fast growing civil aviation sector with rapid airport expansions, UDAN connectivity, and global partnerships driving growth and opportunities. Jai Hind Jai Bharat."

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great step for bilateral relations. People-to-people contact is the foundation of any strong partnership. Hoping this leads to more student exchanges and cultural festivals. The 'three Kartavyas' focus from the budget aligning with this is promising.
R
Rohit P
While renewing connectivity is good, I hope the government and Air India ensure this route is sustainable and offers competitive fares. The last time it was suspended for commercial reasons. Let's not celebrate too soon; the real test is consistent, reliable service.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in trade, this is a very positive development. The Yangtze River Delta is a massive economic hub. Easier travel will definitely help Indian exporters and SMEs explore new opportunities. Practical diplomacy at work.
V
Vikram M
Booming economy, fast-growing aviation sector... it's good to see our Consul General projecting confidence abroad. The Dreamliner is a great aircraft for this route. Hope they serve some good Indian food on board! 😊
K
Kavya N
After nearly six years! This is a welcome move. It will be so much easier for families separated by the pandemic and the suspension to reunite. Here's to more such connections being restored and strengthened.

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