In 2026, there will be four additional direct flights between China and India.
Travelers now have more convenient options as key cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, and Guangzhou are better connected thanks to airlines like IndiGo, Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern.
In 2026, air travel between China and India is accelerating once more. In order to facilitate travel for tourists, business travelers, and students, a number of airlines are reopening direct flights and introducing new routes.
New services connecting major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Guangzhou, Delhi, and Kolkata are among the most recent upgrades. This is a straightforward summary of the four main routes, along with schedules and information that travelers should be aware of.
On March 29, 2026, IndiGo will begin daily flights from Kolkata to Shanghai.
IndiGo has improved access to one of China's largest business hubs by starting a daily nonstop service between Kolkata and Shanghai.
Shanghai is a popular destination for students, exporters, and business travelers. Travel planning is more flexible due to the daily frequency, particularly for brief visits.
Sector, Flight Number, Departure, Arrival, and Frequency of Flights
Shanghai-Kolkata 6E 1709 21:45 04:40 (+1) Daily
Shanghai-Kolkata 6E 1710 05:40 09:05 Every day
Why this path is important
China and eastern India have a close commercial relationship.
Beneficial for academic and business travel
Daily flights make it simpler to schedule a trip.
Guangzhou–Delhi Route Added by China Southern
China Southern Airlines is getting ready to start a new summer-autumn flight from Guangzhou to Delhi. Because Guangzhou is a significant hub for trade and manufacturing, business travelers can benefit from this route.
Anticipated Flight Timetable
Season, Route, and Flight Frequency
Delhi → GuangzhouThree to four flights each week are anticipated.Summer and Autumn of 2026
Three to four weekly flights from Delhi to Guangzhou are anticipated from summer to fall of 2026.
Why this path is important
links Delhi to the business center of southern China
facilitates supply chain mobility and trade
offers alternatives outside of Beijing and Shanghai
On April 18, 2026, China Eastern will resume direct flights from Kunming to Kolkata.
Direct flights between Kunming and Kolkata will once again be offered by China Eastern Airlines. In addition to serving as a convenient travel hub to other Asian locations, Kunming is regarded as the entry point to southwest China.
Schedule of Flights
Frequency of Route FlightsDate of Start
Kunming → KolkataSeveral weekly flights on April 18, 2026
Kunming in KolkataSeveral weekly flights on April 18, 2026
Why this path is important
An excellent choice for connecting flights inside Asia
Beneficial for travel and tourism
Travel time is shorter than with one-stop flights.
Beijing Capital–Delhi Route Launched by Air China (April 21, 2026)
A new direct flight between Delhi and Beijing Capital International Airport is being introduced by Air China. This creates yet another crucial link between the two nations' capitals.
Schedule of Flights
Frequency of Route FlightsDate of Start
Delhi → BeijingMultiple weekly flights on April 21, 2026
Beijing → DelhiMultiple weekly flights on April 21, 2026
Why this path is important
A direct connection between two large cities
Beneficial for tourism and official travel
increases the number of long-haul flying alternatives
What Travelers Should Know About This
There are fewer layovers and shorter travel times when there are more direct flights. Depending on where they are going in China, travelers now have more options.
Principal advantages
More options for flights between China and India
Improved access to China's largest cities
Better travel alternatives for tourism, business, and education
Facilitation of connecting flights around Asia
Prospects for Travel Between China and India
As demand increases once again, airlines are gradually reopening their routes. The two nations are now more connected thanks to the addition of these four services.
In the upcoming months, more direct lines might reappear if demand keeps growing, making travel even more easy. As more revisions are anticipated in the near future, travelers planning travels in 2026 should periodically review airline schedules.
