China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Resumes Direct Shanghai – Delhi Flights from Nov 9

Direct air links between India and China are getting a significant boost. China Eastern Airlines is set to restart its route between Shanghai and New Delhi from November 9, 2025, offering three weekly flights. This marks a major step in reviving bilateral air connectivity after years of disruption. 

Why this matters

The return of this route is more than just a flight-schedule update. For travellers, businesses and students with ties between India and China, it opens up a much more convenient option than long detours via Southeast Asia or the Middle East.

On a broader scale, resuming this direct link is symbolic of improving India-China travel and trade relations — especially following high-level diplomatic engagement earlier this year.

What’s behind this move?

• The route had been suspended for about five years amidst travel restrictions and reduced bilateral flights between India and China.

• Talks between the two nations at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit earlier this year helped pave the way for restoring connectivity.

• Alongside this Shanghai–Delhi service, India’s low-cost carrier IndiGo is also expanding its China network — launching daily Kolkata ↔ Guangzhou flights from Oct 26, and planned Delhi ↔ Guangzhou direct service from Nov 10.

Travel implications & tips for Indian travellers

• Shorter travel time: With non-stop service, travellers save time and complexity compared to one-stop routes.

• Opportunities for business & tourism: The route is beneficial for companies, students, families and tourism linking India and China.

• Check visa & entry rules: Make sure your China/India travel documents, visa requirements and any transit rules are clear before booking.

• Booking early recommended: Since seats are available now, early booking may offer better pricing and seat choice.

• Expect a ripple effect: As other India-China direct services resume, you may see more route choices and competitive fares. Apply China Visa Here: https://www.visaforchina.cn/DEL3_EN/

Final take-away

The restart of direct flights between Shanghai and New Delhi on November 9, 2025 is a significant step for air-connectivity between India and China. Whether you’re travelling for business, study or leisure, this added route makes planning easier and more efficient. Also Read: How to apply China Visa from India & Cover Letter for China Visa

Flight schedule details

Here are the operational details of the route:

• Route: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) ↔ New Delhi Indira Gandhi (DEL)

• Frequency: Three round-trip flights per week — on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

• Times:

  • MU 563: PVG → DEL — Departs 12:50 PM, arrives 5:45 PM (Wed, Sat, Sun)

  • MU 564: DEL → PVG — Departs 7:55 PM, arrives 4:10 AM (Wed, Sat, Sun)

• Tickets are already available for booking via the airline’s official website and travel partners.