Air India has announced the resumption of direct flights between India and China after nearly six years, signaling a restoration of connectivity between the two nations.
Starting February 1, 2026, the Tata Group-owned airline will operate non-stop services between New Delhi and Shanghai four times a week, using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. This marks Air India’s re-entry into the China market after suspending flights in early 2020 due to border tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline also plans to extend services to include direct flights from Mumbai to Shanghai later next year, subject to regulatory approvals.
This move follows IndiGo’s recent launch of flights connecting Delhi and Guangzhou, underscoring growing efforts by Indian carriers to rebuild air links with China. The resumption comes in the wake of improving diplomatic engagement, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The flights are expected to bolster business ties and cultural exchanges between the two countries as aviation returns to pre-pandemic
routes.
With these initiatives, Air India continues to expand its global network under Tata Group’s leadership, aiming to meet growing demand for international travel.
Air India to resume Delhi–Shanghai flights from Feb 2026
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