New Delhi- Air India announced on Monday that it will restart its non-stop Delhi–Shanghai flights from February 1, 2026, marking its first return to mainland China since early 2020. The move signals a revival in regional air connectivity following renewed diplomatic engagement between India and China, which recently led to the restoration of suspended air routes.
Air India becomes the second Indian carrier after IndiGo to re-establish services to China. IndiGo had earlier resumed daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou on October 26 and between Delhi and Guangzhou on November 10.
The airline confirmed that it also plans to introduce a direct Mumbai–Shanghai flight later in 2026, pending regulatory approvals. With Shanghai joining its network as the Air India group’s 48th international destination, the carrier continues to strengthen its position as India’s largest operator in overseas passenger traffic.
The Delhi–Shanghai service will run four days a week—Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday—using Boeing 787-8 aircraft configured with 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy. The reinstated route revives one of Air India’s older international connections, first launched in October 2000.
Calling the move a symbolic renewal of ties between India and China, Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson said the service represents more than just a route relaunch. He described it as a bridge between “two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses” and highlighted that the connection will support travel for business, trade, healthcare, education and culture. He added that passengers will once again experience the airline’s signature Indian hospitality on this route.
According to the airline’s schedule, Flight AI352 will depart Delhi at 12:00 hrs and arrive in Shanghai at 20:20 hrs. The return flight, AI351, will leave Shanghai at 22:00 hrs and reach Delhi at 03:15 hrs the following day. All timings are local.
