China Eastern Resumes Shanghai-Delhi Flights After 5 Years

In a landmark move signaling improving ties, China Eastern Airlines will resume direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi from November 9, 2025, ending a five-year hiatus. The service, operating thrice weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, marks the first direct air connection between the two Asian giants since 2020.

The resumption comes amid a thaw in India-China relations, following years of tension along their Himalayan border. After deadly clashes in Galwan Valley in 2020, diplomatic ties cooled, and all direct commercial flights were suspended. The move to reopen skies reflects a mutual push to restore connectivity for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.

India’s recent announcement to reopen flights to China coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Talks focused on trade imbalances, economic cooperation, and easing travel restrictions, highlighting both nations’ interest in stabilizing ties.

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For travelers and businesses, the renewed Shanghai-Delhi route promises convenience and expanded opportunities. Students, professionals, and tourists stand to benefit from smoother mobility, while industries in technology and manufacturing could see strengthened supply chains and revived trade.

The airline industry in both countries is also responding with more routes. IndiGo Airlines recently announced daily nonstop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, while Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport encourages further connections such as Guangzhou-Delhi. Analysts suggest these steps could gradually rebuild trust and economic balance between the two nations.

The timing of the resumption is notable amid global trade tensions. U.S. tariffs on Indian and Chinese goods have pressured both nations to seek stronger regional cooperation. In this context, reopening direct flights is not just a logistical step, but a strategic move to reinforce bilateral engagement and resilience in commerce.

As a China Eastern flight prepares to touch down in Delhi after five years, the gesture is being watched as more than just aviation news—it represents renewed dialogue, cautious optimism, and the slow but steady reopening of a crucial regional bridge.