Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 18, Air India said on Monday that it will resume flights between New Delhi and China starting in February 2026, nearly six years after services were suspended. The carrier stated that the decision reflects recent steps that have gradually reopened travel links between the two countries. According to the airline, this will mark the restoration of an important route that had been paused since early 2020.

An Air India Airbus A350 aeroplane is displayed at Wings India 2024 aviation at Begumpet airport, Hyderabad, India, January 18, 2024.

Air India also said it plans to introduce a Mumbai–Shanghai service later next year, depending on regulatory clearances. Preparations for the new route will include coordination with aviation authorities, service planning, and adjustments to fleet deployment to support long-haul operations. The carrier added that the renewed timetable aims to expand its international network across key Asian destinations.

In its announcement, Air India said: "The reinstatement of Air India’s services to Shanghai follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored the air links paused in early 2020." The airline noted that the restored route is expected to support travel demand, commercial exchanges, and broader connectivity as flight operations gradually return.

Last month, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport announced that flights between the two countries were set to resume, signalling a coordinated move to reopen scheduled passenger services. The airport’s update pointed to growing readiness among carriers and authorities to rebuild air connections.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China earlier this year to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. It was his first visit to China in seven years. During discussions, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that India and China were development partners and explored ways to strengthen trade engagement amid global tariff uncertainty. Their meeting was viewed as part of broader efforts to enhance communication and cooperation.

The gradual return of flights between the two countries has continued with actions taken by other carriers as well. Last month, IndiGo resumed flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou, restoring another route that had been suspended in 2020. Industry observers said that the phased reopening is expected to support demand from business travellers, students, and other passengers with regular travel needs.

Air India stated that preparations for the February 2026 relaunch will involve operational planning, crew scheduling, and coordination with airport authorities in both New Delhi and Shanghai. The airline said it aims to ensure service consistency once flights restart and expects the route to play a role in supporting connectivity across the region.

The upcoming resumption reflects a steady rebuilding of air links and highlights the continued interest among airlines in expanding their presence in major Asian markets.