China Eastern Airlines to Resume Direct Shanghai-Delhi Flights

Post by : Raina Nasser

China Eastern Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi from November 9, marking the return of full air connectivity between the two nations. The services will operate three times a week—on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays—using an A330-200 aircraft. The resumption of China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai-Delhi flights comes after more than five years of suspension, reflecting a significant step in restoring people-to-people exchanges and boosting economic and trade collaboration between India and China.

Direct air services between India and China had been operational until early 2020, when flights were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Subsequent geopolitical tensions, including the eastern Ladakh border standoff, further delayed the resumption of regular flights. With China Eastern Airlines resuming Shanghai-Delhi flights, travelers can once again enjoy seamless connectivity. The airline’s decision to restart flights highlights the growing confidence in safe international travel and the strategic importance of restoring China Eastern Airlines’ network in India.

China Eastern Airlines’ resumption of Shanghai-Delhi flights will complement IndiGo’s planned restart of flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou from October 26. This revival of air connectivity is expected to facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, benefiting both countries. The three weekly services by China Eastern Airlines will provide passengers with convenient options for travel between Shanghai and Delhi. Experts suggest that the restoration of China Eastern Airlines’ flights will also enhance trade opportunities and strengthen long-term economic ties between India and China.

InterGlobe Air Transport, part of the InterGlobe Enterprises, has been the exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) for China Eastern Airlines in India since 2002. The company played a key role in introducing China Eastern Airlines’ direct flights between India and China, making it the first Chinese airline to operate non-stop services between the two nations. The upcoming resumption of China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai-Delhi flights represents a continuation of this long-standing partnership and a renewed commitment to facilitating international air travel.

The Civil Aviation Ministry of India had earlier indicated that direct flights between India and China would resume by the end of October, following continuous technical-level engagement between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. With China Eastern Airlines restarting Shanghai-Delhi flights, passengers can look forward to safe, reliable, and convenient travel options. The resumption of China Eastern Airlines’ flights is being welcomed by frequent travelers, business communities, and aviation experts as a positive development in India-China air connectivity.