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Air India on Monday announced that it will restart non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai from February 1, 2026, restoring a key international route nearly six years after services were paused. The return of the Delhi–Shanghai link follows recent diplomatic agreements between India and China, enabling airlines to re-establish scheduled connectivity disrupted in early 2020.

Air India will operate four weekly flights on the route using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, fitted with 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy. Shanghai will become the 48th international destination served by the Air India group, which continues to carry more global passengers than any other Indian airline.

The airline said the resumed flights would support travel for business, trade, healthcare, education and tourism between two of Asia’s largest economic hubs. Subject to regulatory clearances, Air India also intends to launch non-stop services between Mumbai and Shanghai later in 2026, expanding its footprint in the China market.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, described the Delhi–Shanghai restart as more than a route opening. “It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses,” he said, noting that the service would help revive opportunities across sectors.

Air India first launched non-stop flights to mainland China in October 2000. The reinstated service comes after India and China agreed to restore suspended air links, offering airlines the flexibility to resume long-haul operations.

The route is expected to boost exchanges in pharmaceuticals, technology, higher education and other fields where cooperation has grown steadily in recent years.

Bookings for the Delhi–Shanghai service are being opened progressively across sales channels, the airline said.

The announcement comes as Indian carriers increase their presence in China. IndiGo recently began daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, adding to its existing Kolkata–Guangzhou connection.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the expansion reflected strong demand and the airline’s aim to deepen connectivity with major Chinese cities.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros