China Eastern Airlines Resumes Shanghai–Delhi Flights After Five-Year Hiatus
State-backed China Eastern Airlines has announced the resumption of its Shanghai–Delhi flight service from November 9, marking the restoration of direct air connectivity between China and India after a five-year suspension. According to the airline’s website, flights will operate three times a week — on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The move signals a renewed phase of engagement between the two Asian powers following years of diplomatic strain.
The development follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China — his first in over seven years — to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. During the meeting, both sides discussed improving bilateral trade ties, with Modi reportedly expressing concerns over India’s widening trade deficit with China. India’s foreign ministry had earlier confirmed that commercial flights between the two countries would resume soon.
Meanwhile, IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has also announced plans to launch daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou. In support of the growing connectivity, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport stated it would encourage the opening of additional direct routes, including one between Guangzhou and Delhi. Direct flights were suspended in 2020 after deadly clashes along the India-China border led to a prolonged military standoff.
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