Air China has officially restarted its direct flight services between Beijing and Delhi on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This development marks a major step in restoring travel and business ties between India and China after a gap of more than four years. The resumption comes following technical discussions and a revised Air Services Agreement signed between the two nations to bring back normal air connectivity for passengers and business travelers.
Details of New Flight Schedules and Airlines
The Chinese Embassy in India confirmed that the resumption of Air China flights is intended to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact. Beyond Air China, other major carriers are also expanding their network. IndiGo is preparing to launch daily direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai starting March 29, 2026. This builds on the airline’s recent move to restart services to Guangzhou, providing more options for Indian travelers.
Timeline and Status of India-China Flight Resumption
Direct flights were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border confrontations. After a long hiatus, both countries reached an agreement in late 2025 to restore air connectivity gradually. Air India has also announced its non-stop Delhi-Shanghai flights effective February 1, 2026, operating four times a week.
| Airline | Route | Status/Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Air China | Beijing-Delhi | Resumed March 21, 2026 |
| IndiGo | Kolkata-Shanghai | Starts March 29, 2026 |
| Air India | Delhi-Shanghai | Operating since Feb 2026 |
| China Eastern | Shanghai-Delhi | Operating since Nov 2025 |
Impact on Travelers and Bilateral Relations
The return of direct flights is a relief for the business community and students who previously had to take long connecting flights through third countries. Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, mentioned that this move acts as a green light for cooperation within groups like SCO and BRICS. Authorities expect that these services will reduce travel costs and travel time significantly for those moving between major Indian and Chinese cities.
