China Eastern Airlines Restores Shanghai-Delhi Flights After Five Years

China Eastern Airlines has reinstated its passenger flights between Shanghai and New Delhi, re-establishing direct air travel between China and India following a five-year hiatus. On November 9, flight MU563 departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, carrying 248 passengers to the Indian capital. This flight marks China Eastern as the first airline from China to resume passenger services to India in 2025, indicating a significant step towards revitalising travel between the two nations.

The inaugural flight was met with considerable interest, achieving a remarkable load factor of over 95 per cent, signalling strong demand for the route. The Shanghai-Delhi service will operate three times a week, specifically on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This restoration of services is expected to facilitate both tourism and business travel, enhancing the economic ties between China and India.

In addition to the Shanghai-Delhi route, China Eastern Airlines has plans to expand its operations in India. The airline intends to increase flight frequencies based on market demand, which could lead to additional services. Furthermore, the company is set to reintroduce the Kunming-Kolkata route and launch a new service connecting Shanghai to Mumbai.

The return of these flights not only reflects the growing demand for international travel as restrictions ease but also highlights the importance of maintaining robust air links between major cities in both countries. As people begin to resume travel for leisure and business, the re-establishment of these routes is anticipated to play a crucial role in fostering bilateral relations.

A spokesperson for China Eastern Airlines stated, "We are excited to welcome passengers back on our flights between Shanghai and New Delhi, and we look forward to expanding our services in India further." The airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity aligns with broader efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between China and India, two of the largest economies in Asia.

With the resumption of these flights, both nations are poised to benefit from increased tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, as travellers are once again able to move freely between these significant Asian hubs. The aviation industry, which has faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years, is beginning to recover, and the renewed flight services are a promising sign of returning normalcy in international travel.