Air India to Resume Delhi–Shanghai Flights from February 1

Air India will restart its Delhi–Shanghai non-stop service from February 1, 2026, joining IndiGo and China Eastern Airlines as the third carrier to re-establish direct connectivity between India and mainland China. The move comes after approvals from the Ministry of External Affairs and signals a thaw in bilateral relations following years of suspended services due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.  

Key Highlights

- Service Resumption: Flights to operate four times weekly using Boeing 787-8 aircraft.  

- Timeline: Operations begin February 1, 2026, marking Air India’s return to China after nearly six years.

- Expansion Plans: The airline also intends to launch a Mumbai–Shanghai service later in 2026, subject to regulatory clearance.
  
- Diplomatic Context: The resumption follows recent India–China agreements to restore air links paused since early 2020.  

- Passenger Benefits: Enhanced connectivity expected to boost business travel, tourism, and academic exchanges between the two nations.  

This development underscores Air India’s international expansion strategy under the Tata Group and highlights the gradual normalization of India–China relations through trade and travel.  

Sources: Indian Express, Free Press Journal, India TV News, Telegraph India, Air India Press Release