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China Eastern Expands India Flights: Shanghai-Delhi Route Boost Amid Strong Demand

China Eastern Airlines is significantly boosting its India-China connectivity. Starting January 2026, the airline will increase Shanghai-Delhi flights from three to five weekly. The expanded service will use modern Airbus A330-200 aircraft with comfortable seating options. This move reflects growing demand and strengthens bilateral trade and tourism between the two nations.

Key Points: China Eastern Airlines Increases Shanghai Delhi Flight Frequency 2026

  • Flights operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday weekly schedule
  • Airbus A330-200 features 17 business and 245 economy class seats
  • InterGlobe Air Transport handles all commercial and operational functions
  • Enhanced connectivity supports bilateral trade, tourism and cultural exchanges
2 min read

China Eastern Airlines to increase Shanghai-Delhi flight frequency from January 2026

China Eastern Airlines boosts Shanghai-Delhi flights from 3 to 5 weekly starting January 2026, enhancing India-China connectivity with Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

"The flight from Delhi, MU564, will depart at 19:55, arriving in Shanghai at 4:10 the following day. - China Eastern Airlines"

New Delhi, Oct 31

China Eastern Airlines on Friday announced that it will increase its direct flights between Shanghai Pudong and New Delhi from three to five per week, starting January 2, 2026, due to strong demand from the Indian market.

"The flight from Delhi, MU564, will depart at 19:55, arriving in Shanghai at 4:10 the following day. Flight MU563 from Shanghai Pudong will depart at 12:50 pm and arrive in New Delhi at 17:45 local time," the carrier informed in a statement.

The flights will be available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It will be operated by Airbus A330‑200 wide-body aircraft, featuring 17 lie-flat MINPRO business-class seats and 245 economy-class seats for commercial booking.

InterGlobe Air Transport will manage all the airline's commercial and operational functions -- including sales, marketing, ticketing, and support.

The airline plans to introduce additional routes to India, including Kunming-Kolkata and Shanghai Pudong-Mumbai, the company said, adding that increased flight frequency will enhance bilateral trade, tourism, education, and cultural and technological exchanges.

With China Eastern’s Shanghai Pudong serving as a major international hub, travellers can connect to major cities across mainland China and onwards to destinations in North America, Japan, South Korea, and Europe.

China Eastern Airlines had earlier announced the resumption of flights on its India route, with flights between Shanghai and Delhi starting from November 9, after a five-year pause.

According to travel data provider OAG, the two countries operated around 2,588 scheduled flights in 2019 before services were suspended.

Meanwhile, China this week extended a warm welcome to an IndiGo Airlines flight, carrying 180 passengers from Kolkata, West Bengal.

IndiGo Airlines, which landed in Guangzhou on Monday, marked the first direct flight between the countries after 2020.

Earlier, IndiGo also announced new daily direct flights between New Delhi and China's Guangzhou starting November 10.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hope this leads to more competitive pricing. Currently flights to China are quite expensive compared to other Asian destinations. More competition should benefit Indian travelers.
A
Aditya G
While increased connectivity is good, I hope our government ensures proper security protocols are in place. We need to be cautious about Chinese airlines given the current geopolitical situation.
S
Sarah B
Excellent development! This will make it much easier for students planning to study in China. The direct connectivity to Shanghai hub means better access to universities across China.
M
Michael C
Good to see aviation ties improving between the two countries. This should boost tourism both ways - Chinese tourists coming to India and Indians exploring China's rich cultural heritage.
K
Kavya N
The Mumbai route announcement is what I'm waiting for! Hope they start that soon. Traveling from Mumbai to Shanghai via Delhi adds unnecessary travel time. 🙏

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