Air connectivity between China and India is picking up pace again in 2026. Several airlines are adding new routes and restarting direct flights, making travel easier for tourists, business travellers, and students.
The latest updates include new services linking major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Guangzhou, Delhi, and Kolkata. Here is a simple, clear breakdown of the four key routes, including schedules and what travellers should know.
IndiGo Starts Daily Kolkata–Shanghai Flights (From March 29, 2026)
IndiGo has launched a daily non-stop flight between Kolkata and Shanghai, improving access to one of China’s biggest business hubs.
Shanghai is popular with business travellers, exporters, and students. The daily frequency makes planning trips more flexible, especially for short visits.
Flight Schedule
| Sector | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata- Shanghai | 6E 1709 | 21:45 | 04:40 (+1) | Daily |
| Shanghai – Kolkata | 6E 1710 | 05:40 | 09:05 | Daily |
Why this route matters
- Strong trade connection between eastern India and China
- Helpful for business travel and academic exchanges
- Daily flights mean easier trip planning
China Southern Adds Guangzhou–Delhi Route
China Southern Airlines is preparing to launch a new Guangzhou to Delhi flight during the summer-autumn season. Guangzhou is a major manufacturing and trade centre, making this route useful for business travellers.
Expected Flight Schedule
| Route | Flight Frequency | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou → Delhi | Expected 3–4 weekly flights | Summer–Autumn 2026 |
| Delhi → Guangzhou | Expected 3–4 weekly flights | Summer–Autumn 2026 |
Why this route matters
- Connects Delhi with southern China’s business hub
- Supports trade and supply chain travel
- Provides more options beyond Beijing and Shanghai
China Eastern Resumes Kunming–Kolkata Direct Flight (From April 18, 2026)
China Eastern Airlines is bringing back its direct flights between Kunming and Kolkata. Kunming is known as the gateway to southwest China and is also a convenient transit point to other Asian destinations.
Flight Schedule
| Route | Flight Frequency | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kunming → Kolkata | Multiple weekly flights | 18 April 2026 |
| Kolkata → Kunming | Multiple weekly flights | 18 April 2026 |
Why this route matters
- Good option for connecting flights within Asia
- Useful for tourism and regional travel
- Short travel time compared to one-stop flights
Air China Launches Beijing Capital–Delhi Route (From April 21, 2026)
Air China is launching a new direct service between Beijing Capital International Airport and Delhi. This adds another important connection between the capitals of the two countries.
Flight Schedule
| Route | Flight Frequency | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing → Delhi | Several weekly flights | 21 April 2026 |
| Delhi → Beijing | Several weekly flights | 21 April 2026 |
Why this route matters
- Direct link between two major capitals
- Helpful for official travel and tourism
- Expands long-haul flight options
What This Means for Travellers
More direct flights mean shorter travel times and fewer layovers. Travellers now have better options depending on their destination in China.
Key benefits:
- More flight choices between India and China
- Better connectivity to major Chinese cities
- Improved options for business, tourism, and education travel
- Easier access to connecting flights across Asia
Outlook for China–India Travel
Airlines are slowly restoring routes as demand grows again. The addition of these four services shows improved connectivity between the two countries.
If demand continues to rise, more direct routes could return in the coming months, making travel even more convenient. Travellers planning trips in 2026 should check airline schedules regularly, as more updates are expected soon.
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