Air India to resume operations to mainland China with non-stop flights to Shanghai from Feb 2026

November 18, 2025 at 12:00 AM•2 min read•Air India

After nearly six years, Air India is reconnecting with mainland China, but what aircraft will serve this vital route?

Key Points

1Air India will resume Delhi-Shanghai flights on February 1, 2026, after a six-year pause.
2The airline intends to launch Mumbai-Shanghai flights in 2026, pending regulatory approval.
3The Delhi-Shanghai route will be operated four times a week using Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
4The resumption follows restored India-China air links after recent diplomatic agreements.

Air India is set to resume non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG) starting February 1, 2026, marking its return to mainland China after a hiatus of almost six years. The airline also intends to introduce non-stop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Shanghai will become Air India's 48th international destination, reinforcing its position as the leading international carrier in India.

Air India plans to operate the Delhi-Shanghai route four times a week using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. These aircraft feature 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy Class, offering passengers a comfortable travel experience. The resumption of services follows recent diplomatic agreements between India and China, which have restored air links that were paused in early 2020. Air India initially launched non-stop services to mainland China in October 2000.

Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, emphasized the significance of the route resumption, highlighting its role in bridging two major civilizations and economic powerhouses. The restored air link is expected to stimulate exchanges in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, technology, education, and more.

Bookings for Air India's Delhi-Shanghai flights are progressively opening across all channels, including the airline's website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centers, and travel agents worldwide. This move aims to facilitate convenient access for travelers seeking to reconnect with mainland China for business, trade, healthcare, education, and cultural opportunities.