Air India Resumes Delhi–Shanghai Non-Stop Flights

Air India revives its non-stop Delhi–Shanghai route from February 2026, boosting India–China travel, trade, student mobility, and business connectivity. A major upgrade for B2B travel agents, corporates, and aviation partners.

Air India Strengthens India–China Connectivity With Delhi–Shanghai Comeback

Air India has announced the return of its non-stop service between Delhi and Shanghai, restarting from 1 February 2026. This marks the airline’s first scheduled re-entry into mainland China in nearly six years—an important development aligned with improving diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.

The renewed route aims to meet the rising demand for business travel, corporate mobility, student movement, and tourism between two of Asia’s fastest-growing economic centres.

For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate travel planners, this revival restores a vital long-haul corridor that supports trade, partnerships, cargo-led business, and seamless people-to-people exchange.

A Strategic Step in Reconnecting Two Asian Powerhouses

Air India will operate the Delhi–Shanghai flights four times a week, deploying its modern Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—equipped with

• 18 lie-flat Business Class seats

• 238 Economy seats
  
  

The route reinstates Shanghai as Air India’s 48th international destination, enhancing the carrier’s growing long-haul network under its ongoing transformation programme.

With Shanghai positioned as one of the world’s top financial, technology, and trade hubs, the restored link provides Indian businesses with faster, more reliable access to mainland China, supporting opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, fintech, engineering, education, and retail.

Delhi–Shanghai Flight Schedule (Effective 1 February 2026)

AI352 Delhi → Shanghai

Departure: 12:00
Arrival: 20:20
Operations: Tue | Thu | Fri | Sun

AI351 Shanghai → Delhi

Departure: 22:00
Arrival: 03:15 (+1)
Operations: Tue | Thu | Fri | Sun

The late-night departure from Shanghai is planned to support shorter transits and better connectivity for travellers heading to multiple Indian cities the next morning.

Boosting Trade, Corporate Travel, and Investment Opportunities

Direct connectivity between Delhi and Shanghai is expected to significantly stimulate bilateral trade and corporate mobility.
For Indian companies operating or sourcing from China, the route offers:

• Faster access to China’s industrial and financial districts

• Stronger supply-chain coordination

• Improved connectivity for executives and technical teams

• Better support for project-based travel and cross-border operations

This route also creates value for travel agents specialising in business travel management, MICE movements, and corporate aviation planning.

Enhancing Tourism, Cultural Exchange, and Student Travel

The Delhi–Shanghai service will support smoother mobility across:

• Tourism – Shanghai’s global attractions and India’s cultural circuits

• Education – Thousands of Indian students who pursue medicine, engineering, and business studies in China

• Academic Collaboration – Easier travel for researchers and exchange programmes

• Cultural Partnerships – Revived mobility between two ancient civilisations

Improved connectivity helps B2B agents and tour operators curate enhanced itineraries, study-tour packages, and cross-cultural experiences.

Future Growth: Mumbai–Shanghai Route Planned for 2026

Air India has also revealed plans to launch a Mumbai–Shanghai non-stop service later in 2026, subject to regulatory clearance.
This expansion will provide Western India’s corporate and manufacturing hubs—Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, and Nashik—with direct access to China’s commercial powerhouse.

As air traffic between India and China accelerates, these new routes are expected to support long-term growth in trade, mobility, tourism, and economic engagement.

Conclusion: A Rebuilt Route That Supports India–China Growth Momentum

The reinstatement of Air India’s non-stop Delhi–Shanghai service marks a critical step in restoring India–China air connectivity.
For travel agents, corporate travel planners, and aviation partners, this route reopens a high-demand corridor essential for business, education, and travel flow.

With future expansions on the horizon, Air India continues to play a key role in enabling mobility between two of Asia’s most influential economies.

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