China Eastern Airlines has announced plans to increase the frequency of its Shanghai-Delhi route starting January 2, 2026. This potential expansion marks a significant step in strengthening air connectivity between China and India, two of Asia's largest economies.

Planned Flight Expansion Details

Route History and Context

China Eastern resumed direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi on November 9, operating three times weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This resumption came after a hiatus of more than five years, during which direct air services between India and China were suspended.

The suspension, which began in early 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, was prolonged by the eastern Ladakh border dispute between the two countries. The resumption of these flights signifies a step towards normalizing air travel between the two nations.

Broader Impact on India-China Air Travel

The planned expansion of China Eastern's services is part of a larger trend of resuming air connectivity between India and China:

• IndiGo restarted Kolkata-Guangzhou flights on October 26, marking the first direct air service between the two countries in over five years.
• If implemented, China Eastern's increased frequency on the Shanghai-Delhi route would provide more options for travelers and potentially boost trade and tourism between the two countries.

China Eastern's Presence in India

China Eastern Airlines has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Indian market:

• InterGlobe Air Transport has served as China Eastern's exclusive General Sales Agent in India since 2002.
• The airline's plan to increase flight frequency suggests confidence in the potential growing demand for air travel between China and India.

If realized, this expansion of air services between Shanghai and Delhi could potentially lead to increased business and cultural exchanges between China and India, subject to broader geopolitical and economic factors.

China Eastern Airlines is set to reestablish direct air links between China and India, marking a significant step in normalizing travel between the two countries after a prolonged suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

Flight Details

China Eastern Airlines will resume direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi starting November 9, 2023. Here are the key details:

Context and Significance

This resumption of flights is part of a broader initiative to restore air connectivity between India and China:

• IndiGo announced the restart of its Kolkata-Guangzhou service on October 26, 2023.
• These flights represent the first direct air links between India and China since early 2020.
• The suspension of flights was initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued amid tensions over the eastern Ladakh border dispute.

Historical Perspective

China Eastern Airlines has a long-standing presence in the Indian market:

• It began operations in India in 2002.
• It was the first Chinese carrier to offer direct flights between the two countries.

Diplomatic Developments

The resumption of flights follows recent diplomatic efforts:

• India's Ministry of External Affairs announced that direct air services would resume by the end of October 2023.
• This decision came after technical-level talks between aviation authorities of both countries.

Future Plans

Other airlines are also planning to enhance India-China connectivity:

• Air India aims to resume nonstop India-China flights by the end of 2025.
• Delhi-Shanghai is being considered as the first route for Air India's resumption.
• Other Indian carriers, including Akasa Air, are exploring routes to Chinese cities, pending necessary approvals.

This development signifies a positive step towards normalizing travel and potentially improving diplomatic and economic ties between India and China. As more airlines join in reopening routes, it could lead to increased business and cultural exchanges between the two nations.