In a significant development for air connectivity between two Asian giants, Air India officially resumed its direct flight operations between Shanghai and New Delhi on Sunday. This marks the restoration of services that had been suspended for nearly six years, with the initial halt occurring in early 2020.
Flight Operations and Schedule Details
The national carrier will operate this crucial route four times per week, utilizing its advanced Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. These planes feature modernized cabins and enhanced onboard services, promising passengers a comfortable travel experience between the two major economic hubs.
The inaugural Shanghai to New Delhi flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport carrying more than 230 passengers, according to official statements from the airline.
Detailed Flight Timings
Air India has announced the following schedule for its Delhi-Shanghai operations:
- Flight AI352 from Delhi to Shanghai departs at 1200 hours and arrives at 2020 hours
- The return flight AI351 from Shanghai to Delhi departs at 2200 hours and arrives at 0315 hours the following day
Diplomatic Significance and Official Reactions
Consul General Pratik Mathur emphasized the broader implications of this development, stating: "The resumption of direct flights between Shanghai and New Delhi is a tangible expression of the renewed momentum in India-China engagement. Enhanced air connectivity is essential for facilitating trade, tourism, academic exchanges and people-to-people contacts, particularly between India and East China."
He further added: "We are pleased to see Air India restoring this important link."
The Consulate General of India in Shanghai has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance connectivity and foster cooperation across multiple domains including trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
Broader Context of India-China Air Connectivity
This development occurs alongside other significant changes in air connectivity between the two nations. IndiGo began operating flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou and Delhi to Guangzhou starting November 10, 2025. Additionally, Chinese carrier China Eastern Airlines had already restarted its Shanghai-Delhi services in November of last year.
Historical Background of the Suspension
Flight operations between India and China faced a prolonged suspension beginning in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation was further complicated by the over-four-year border standoff in eastern Ladakh, which concluded in October last year, creating additional delays in restoring normal air connectivity.
Normalization of Bilateral Relations
The resumption of flights represents one facet of broader normalization efforts between India and China. This diplomatic thaw followed two significant meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping: first at Kazan, Russia in 2024, and subsequently on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin last year.
Beyond aviation, both nations have implemented several measures to reset their relationship. In July, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, reversing a suspension that had been in place since the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020.
People-Focused Initiatives
The two countries have undertaken various people-centric measures to strengthen ties, including:
- Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage
- Implementation of visa facilitation measures
- Reopening of direct flight connections, which initially restarted in October
The restoration of Air India's Shanghai-Delhi route represents more than just a commercial aviation decision; it symbolizes the gradual rebuilding of economic and cultural bridges between two of the world's most populous nations and significant economic powers.
