In response to the robust demand and a commitment to strengthening air connectivity between India and China, China Eastern Airlines has announced the commencement of daily non-stop flights between Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai, starting 2 January 2026.
The rapid expansion follows the successful relaunch of the route in November 2025 after a five-year hiatus. While the route was initially planned for a phased increase from three to five weekly flights, the overwhelming response from both passengers and trade partners has prompted China Eastern to move directly to daily flights, offering greater convenience and flexibility to travellers.
InterGlobe Air Transport, the exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) for China Eastern Airlines in India for over two decades, manages the airline’s full commercial and operational functions, including sales, marketing, ticketing, and support. InterGlobe remains committed to leveraging its well-established network to drive the continued success of this newly expanded, strategic air route.
During winter schedule Flight MU564 will depart Delhi at 19:55, arriving in Shanghai Pudong at 04:10 the following day. The return flight MU563 departs Shanghai at 12:50 and lands in Delhi at 17:45. Operated by an Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft, the service offers a premium onboard experience with 18 lie-flat business-class seats and 245 economy-class seats.
The airline now also offers interline connectivity, allowing travellers to book seamless single-ticket journeys to and from 39 Indian cities via Delhi to Shanghai and onward to destinations across China Eastern’s extensive global network. With through-baggage check-in to the final destination, passengers can enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience without the need to recheck luggage during transit.
Looking ahead, China Eastern Airlines is committed to expanding its footprint in India, with plans to relaunch Kolkata–Kunming and introduce new route Mumbai–Shanghai in the near future. These initiatives underscore the airline’s vision to provide Indian travellers with greater access to China and beyond, while supporting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
To celebrate the successful resumption of flights, China Eastern Airlines and InterGlobe Air Transport hosted an exclusive evening in New Delhi on 15 December 2025. The event brought together key industry stakeholders, trade partners, and dignitaries to strengthen relationships and explore future opportunities for collaboration and growth.
