Direct Air Link Re-established
China Eastern Airlines officially resumed its direct flight service between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi on Sunday, November 9, 2025. This significant development marks the return of a mainland Chinese carrier to this route after a five-year suspension, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. The inaugural flight, MU563, departed Shanghai with 248 passengers, achieving a notable 95% occupancy rate.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
The resumed service will operate three times a week, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flight MU563 departs Shanghai at 12:50 PM and arrives in Delhi at 5:45 PM local time. The return flight, MU564, leaves Delhi at 7:55 PM local time, reaching Shanghai at 4:10 AM the following day. The total flight duration is approximately eight hours. China Eastern Airlines is deploying an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, specifically the A330-200, for these flights, which are equipped with both Business Class and Economy Class cabins.
Significance of the Resumption
The re-establishment of this air corridor is viewed as a crucial step in enhancing bilateral exchanges between China and India. The Shanghai-Delhi route is strategically important, connecting two major economic centers and is expected to boost trade, economic, and cultural interactions. Direct flights between the two nations had been largely suspended since early 2020, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
Future Expansion Plans
China Eastern Airlines has indicated plans to increase the frequency of its flights based on market demand. Furthermore, the airline aims to resume its Kunming-Kolkata service and introduce a new route connecting Shanghai to Mumbai, further expanding air links between the two countries. This move by China Eastern follows the resumption of flights by Indian carrier IndiGo, which began its Kolkata-Guangzhou service on October 26, and is set to launch a Delhi-Guangzhou route from November 10.
6 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
A step in the right direction for bilateral relations. Hope for more such positive developments.
Stan Marsh
Restarting direct flights is a practical measure that will boost trade and tourism, which is generally beneficial. Nevertheless, it doesn't automatically erase the deep-seated historical and border disputes that have plagued the relationship.
Kyle Broflovski
Convenience for who? This just deepens reliance on a country with questionable intentions.
Stan Marsh
Don't be fooled. This is purely for economic leverage, not genuine goodwill.
Eric Cartman
On one hand, improved air links are crucial for fostering cultural understanding and easier movement of people and goods. On the other, one must question if this move truly signifies a thaw in relations or is simply a strategic economic maneuver by China.
Katchuka
Excellent move! Better connectivity fuels growth for both economies. A win-win.