Sky Reconnected: China Eastern Resumes Shanghai–Delhi Flights With 95% Load

China Eastern reconnects Shanghai and Delhi with high-demand route

China Eastern Airlines has officially resumed its Shanghai–Delhi service, becoming the first mainland Chinese carrier in 2025 to restart direct flights to India. Flight MU563 departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport on November 9, carrying 248 passengers and landing at Delhi’s IGI Airport with a load factor exceeding 95 percent.

The route, operated by an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, will run three times a week—on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The airline plans to increase frequency based on passenger response and market recovery. This move follows IndiGo’s resumption of Kolkata–Guangzhou flights and its upcoming daily Delhi–Guangzhou service from November 10.

Major takeaways:

• First China–India direct flight by a mainland carrier since 2020  
• Shanghai–Delhi route resumes with 95 percent occupancy on launch day  
• Airbus A330 to operate thrice weekly between the two cities  
• IndiGo expands China operations with new Guangzhou services  
• Route expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange

The revival of direct flights signals a thaw in China–India travel ties and opens new avenues for bilateral engagement.

Sources: The Hindu, Tribune India, Onmanorama