Air India to resume non-stop Delhi-Shanghai flights from February 2026; Mumbai service expected later

Subject to regulatory approvals, Air India also plans to introduce non-stop services between Mumbai and Shanghai later in 2026. Air India will operate the Delhi-Shanghai route four times a week using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft

Air India to resume non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai from February 2026

The reinstatement of services follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored air links paused in early 2020. Representational pic

Air India on Monday announced the resumption of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG) from February 1, 2026, marking the national carrier’s return to mainland China after nearly six years. Subject to regulatory approvals, Air India also plans to introduce non-stop services between Mumbai and Shanghai later in 2026.

According to a press release issued by the airline, Shanghai is the 48th international destination of the Air India group, which continues to carry more international passengers than any other airline in India.

Air India will operate the Delhi-Shanghai route four times a week using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft, offering 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 238 spacious Economy Class seats.

The reinstatement of services follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored air links paused in early 2020. Air India originally launched non-stop services to mainland China in October 2000.

Campbell Wilson, chief executive officer and managing director of Air India, said, "The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education, and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India."

Flight schedule between Delhi (DEL) and Shanghai (PVG)

The AI352 Delhi-Shanghai flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It will take off at 12 am and reach Shanghai at 8.20 pm.

The AI351 Shanghai-Delhi flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It will take off at 10 pm and arrive at 3.15 am the next day.

The restored air link is expected to boost exchanges in pharmaceuticals, technology, education, and other sectors.

Bookings for the Delhi-Shanghai flights are open across all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide, the airline informed.

Navi Mumbai International Airport to begin operations from December 25

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will commence commercial flight operations from December 25, initially handling 23 scheduled daily departures, a release said on Monday, news agency PTI reported.

In the first month, the airport will operate for 12 hours daily, from 8 am to 8 pm, managing up to 10 flight movements per hour. During this period, NMIA is expected to handle around 120 air traffic movements each day.

Developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (NMIAL), a special purpose vehicle jointly owned by the Adani Group and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO), NMIA is the second major airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8.

From February 2026, NMIA will transition to round-the-clock operations, expanding to 34 daily departures.

According to the release, the inaugural flight to land at NMIA will be IndiGo 6E460 from Bengaluru, scheduled to touchdown at 8:00 am. Shortly after, IndiGo 6E882 will depart for Hyderabad at 8:40 am, marking the first outbound service from the new airport.

(With PTI inputs)