Air India Announces Return of China Flights After Extended Suspension

New Delhi – Air India has announced that it will resume flights between New Delhi and China beginning February 2026, marking the airline’s first direct route to the country in nearly six years.

The decision reflects a gradual reopening of aviation ties as both nations move forward with cautious diplomatic engagement.

The airline confirmed that the restored service to Shanghai is part of a broader plan to rebuild long-distance routes paused since early 2020, when travel restrictions forced major adjustments across regional networks.

Air India said the reinstated flights will support increased movement of passengers, students, and business travellers who rely on direct links for smoother transit.

In addition to the New Delhi–Shanghai route, the airline is exploring the launch of a Mumbai–Shanghai connection later next year, pending regulatory clearance and final assessments by aviation authorities.

The carrier noted that this expansion is aligned with its ongoing fleet transformation efforts and long-term strategy to strengthen India’s international aviation footprint.

Officials said that gradual improvements in bilateral communication have helped facilitate discussions on restoring suspended air corridors.

The return of direct flights is seen as a step toward normalising travel flows that were disrupted during global aviation shutdowns.

The move follows recent announcements from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which confirmed that cross-border air services between India and China were expected to resume as part of phased scheduling adjustments.

Industry analysts say such developments point to a wider trend of Asian carriers reviving paused routes in response to rising travel demand across the region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China earlier this year, his first in seven years, also contributed to renewed momentum in diplomatic dialogue.

During the meeting, both sides discussed economic cooperation, trade stability, and the importance of maintaining open channels amid fluctuating global tariffs.

Officials from both countries stated that India and China remain development partners with shared interests in commercial connectivity and regional stability.

The restoration of air services is expected to support exchanges in sectors such as education, manufacturing, and technology, which depend heavily on reliable transportation networks.

Air India’s latest announcement follows steps by other Indian carriers that have begun reopening direct routes to major Chinese cities.

Last month, budget airline IndiGo resumed its Kolkata–Guangzhou flights, signalling rising confidence in demand recovery and operational viability.

Aviation experts note that the reinstatement of long-haul routes requires coordination between regulatory bodies, airport authorities, and international partners.

With travel patterns stabilising, airlines across Asia are gradually reinstating links that were previously considered unfeasible during periods of reduced passenger traffic.

Air India has been expanding its international portfolio following its ongoing restructuring and fleet renewal initiatives.

New aircraft additions, route realignment, and service upgrades are central to the airline’s plan to strengthen India’s global aviation presence.

The decision to resume China flights is expected to benefit students, corporate travellers, and families who have faced difficulties due to the lack of direct connectivity.

Travel agencies report growing inquiries for business travel, academic programs, and tourism-related movement between the two countries.

Industry observers say that the New Delhi–Shanghai route could play a significant role in supporting trade and business engagement as companies increasingly seek stable supply chain routes.

The reintroduction of flights may also support cultural exchanges and tourism once travel demand fully normalises.

With broader regional travel steadily improving, Air India’s return to China marks an important step toward reconnecting major Asian hubs after years of limited operations.

The airline said it will release detailed schedules, ticketing timelines, and service options as regulatory procedures progress over the coming months.