The Key Route: Delhi to Shanghai
The most significant development for travellers is Air India's expected resumption of its popular Delhi-Shanghai service in September 2026. This move marks a full-scale return to the Chinese market for the airline, which had initially restarted the route
in February 2026 after a nearly six-year hiatus. The service will connect New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). This route is a critical artery for business and leisure travel, and its consistent operation is a positive sign for passengers who previously relied on inconvenient one-stop flights. The flight is scheduled to operate five times a week, with a journey time of about six and a half hours.
What Other Direct Options Exist?
The restoration of direct flights is not limited to a single airline or route. Since late 2025, several carriers have been re-establishing connections. IndiGo led the charge by restarting services between Kolkata and Guangzhou in October 2025. Chinese carriers have also been active, with Air China resuming its Beijing-Delhi route and China Eastern restarting flights from Kunming to Kolkata and Shanghai to Delhi. This growing network provides passengers with unprecedented choice after years of disconnection. For those in eastern India, IndiGo also launched a daily nonstop flight between Kolkata and Shanghai in March 2026, creating a vital link to one of China's biggest commercial centres.
The Bigger Picture for Travellers
For years, travel between the two most populous nations was a challenge, with the suspension of direct flights following the 2020 border clashes and pandemic restrictions. Passengers were forced into lengthy journeys with layovers in hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. The resumption of direct services, which began in earnest in late 2025, signifies a thaw in diplomatic relations and a mutual agreement to facilitate people-to-people contact. For passengers, this means more than just convenience; it translates to significantly reduced travel times, lower risk of missed connections, and potentially more competitive airfares as airlines compete for traffic. The average direct flight from Delhi to Shanghai, for instance, takes just under six hours, a stark contrast to the 10-15 hours a one-stop journey could take.
Navigating Visa and Entry Rules
While the flights are becoming more accessible, Indian travellers must remember that a visa is required for entry into mainland China. Unlike some other Asian destinations, China does not offer a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian tourists. Travellers must apply for a tourist (L) visa in advance through a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. The process typically requires a valid passport, confirmed return flight tickets, hotel bookings for the duration of the stay, and a detailed itinerary. Processing usually takes four to six working days, so it is crucial to plan ahead. It is always recommended to check the latest visa regulations and required documents from an official embassy or consulate website before making any travel plans, as rules can change.
What Will It Cost?
With more direct flights entering the market, passengers can expect more competitive pricing. While fares fluctuate based on season and demand, booking in advance is key to securing a good deal. As of September 2026, one-way economy fares from major Indian cities to China can be found starting from approximately ₹21,000, though this can vary widely. Round-trip fares for direct routes like Delhi-Shanghai are likely to be in a higher bracket but offer significant savings in time and hassle. Travellers should compare prices across both Indian and Chinese carriers and also look at one-stop options, which may still occasionally offer lower prices for those with flexible travel schedules.
