Shanghai-Delhi flight takes off after 5 years with 95% occupancy
What's the story
Direct commercial flights between India and China have resumed after a five-year hiatus. The first such flight, operated by China Eastern Airlines, took off from Shanghai to New Delhi on Sunday with 95% occupancy. Flight MU563 had 248 passengers on board and departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport for Delhi. This marks the first direct service by a mainland Chinese carrier to India this year.
Diplomatic thaw
Flights suspended since early 2020
The resumption of flights comes after a prolonged suspension since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic tensions over the Galwan Valley clash. The military standoff between India and China ended in October last year, paving the way for restoring flight services. IndiGo had already resumed its Kolkata-Guangzhou service on October 26, becoming the first airline to restart operations after the suspension.
Expansion plans
Route to boost exchanges between India, China
China Eastern Airlines will operate the Shanghai-Delhi route thrice a week, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The airline is also looking to increase its frequency based on market demand and reintroduce the Kunming-Kolkata service. It is planning to launch a new route between Shanghai and Mumbai. The restored routes are expected to "boost people-to-people exchanges and strengthen economic and trade cooperation" between India and China.
Future plans
Air India to resume operations by end of November
Air India is also expected to start operations to China by the end of 2025, according to media reports The resumption of flights is a major step toward normalizing travel and trade links between the two countries and comes amid United States President Donald D The Shanghai-Delhi route is an important corridor connecting two major economic centers, likely leading to exchanges in trade, economy, and culture.