After nearly six years, Air India is finally bringing back its popular Delhi to Shanghai direct flight, a big boost for travelers planning China tours, Shanghai holidays, business trips, and food-focused travel. The nonstop service resumes on 1 February 2026, offering a faster and more comfortable way to reach China without long layovers.
For anyone searching “Delhi to Shanghai flight price,” “best flights to Shanghai from India,” “Air India China flights,” or “how to travel to China from India,” this update covers everything in one place.
Why This Route Matters for Travelers in 2026
Since the pandemic, Indian travelers have faced limited connectivity to mainland China. Most routes required long connections through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, or Dubai. With the return of nonstop Delhi–Shanghai flights, travel times drop sharply and the trip becomes far more convenient.
Key Benefits for Travelers
- Fastest way to reach Shanghai from India (only 6 hours)
- Lower fares compared to connecting flights
- Perfect for:
- Food tours in Shanghai
- Great Wall trips via Beijing
- Bullet train travel across China
- Business meetings in Shanghai and Suzhou
- China Expo 2026 visitors
- Seamless for Indian tourists, students, business travelers, and trade delegates
- Operated by a modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Delhi–Shanghai Direct Flight: Full Schedule (2026)
| Route | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Shanghai | AI398 | 1:30 AM (IGI T3) | 10:30 AM (Pudong)** | Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| Shanghai → Delhi | AI399 | 12:30 PM | 6:00 PM | Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun |
Travel Time:
≈ 6 hours each way (fastest India–China option)
The early-morning departure is especially useful for travelers wanting to arrive in Shanghai by daytime and start sightseeing the same day.
Delhi–Shanghai Flight Price & Fares (2026 Estimates)
Air India has kept pricing competitive to attract both leisure and corporate travelers searching for affordable flights to China from India.
Estimated Round-Trip Fares (Delhi–Shanghai)
| Cabin Class | Approx Fare (₹) | Search Intent Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 | cheapest Delhi to Shanghai flights |
| Premium Economy | ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 | premium economy China flights |
| Business Class | ₹50,000+ | Air India business class China |
Why This Is a Good Deal
- Direct flights save 6–8 hours round-trip
- Airport transfer and layover costs are eliminated
- Dynamic pricing applies, but shoulder-season deals are common
- Air India offers 10% off via Flying Returns (AI loyalty program)
What to Expect Onboard: Air India Dreamliner Experience
To match rising demand for Shanghai tourism and business travel from India, Air India is deploying the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with upgraded interiors.
Onboard Features
- 256 Business Class lie-flat seats with modern screens
- 18 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom
- 238 Economy seats with 32-inch pitch
- Mood lighting for better sleep
- Fast onboard Wi-Fi for streaming
- Revamped entertainment system
- Cleaner washrooms and efficient airflow
Inflight Meals: India–China Fusion
- Chinese-style dim sum boxes
- Indian classics like dal makhani, paneer tikka
- Veg, Jain, Halal, and diabetic meals on request
- Desserts inspired by both cultures (lychee pudding, gulab jamun)
Visa, Entry & Travel Requirements for Indians Visiting Shanghai in 2026
China Visa for Indian Citizens
- China e-visa available for tourists
- Processing time: 4 days
- Cost: Approx ₹3,500
- Required documents:
- Passport
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel booking
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Photo
Immigration Time
Shanghai Pudong Airport now has e-gates that reduce arrival time to about 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
- October to April: Cool, pleasant, and perfect for city walks
- February: Crisp winter + Chinese New Year festivities
- May–June: Good for budget travelers
Why Shanghai Is a Top Destination for Indian Travelers
Delhi to Shanghai flights open the door to one of Asia’s most exciting cities.
Top Experiences in Shanghai
- The Bund – skyline views and river promenade
- Jade Buddha Temple – peaceful and historic
- Yu Garden – traditional Chinese architecture
- Nanjing Road – shopping and nightlife
- Shanghai Disneyland – popular with families
- Local food tour – soup dumplings, noodles, street snacks
Example 5-Day China Travel Itinerary for Indians (Food + Culture)
1- Day – Arrival + The Bund
- Take Maglev train to city
- Explore the Bund
- Try xiaolongbao at Jia Jia Tang Bao
2- Day – Shanghai Street Food Tour
- Tianzifang cafés
- Yang’s Fry Dumplings
- Huangpu River cruise at night
3- Day – Great Wall Day Trip (via Bullet Train to Beijing)
- High-speed train from Shanghai to Beijing
- Visit Mutianyu Great Wall section
- Return the same night
4- Day – Suzhou or Hangzhou
- Famous for gardens, canals, tea plantations
- Only 30–60 minutes by bullet train
5- Day – Shopping + Departure
- Explore Nanjing Road
- Souvenirs: tea, silk, local snacks
- Fly back to Delhi on AI399
Why This Route Is Important for India–China Relations
The Delhi–Shanghai direct flight resumes just as India–China trade and tourism rise again.
Key Impacts
- Supports over 50,000 passengers annually
- Encourages tourism, especially Shanghai Expo 2026
- Helps businesses in tech, manufacturing, and chemicals
- Strengthens people-to-people connections
Whether you’re planning a Shanghai food tour, business travel to China, romantic holiday, or a quick weekend city break, the new Air India flight offers the fastest and most convenient option.
This route will be one of the most searched for China travel from India, cheap flights to Shanghai, and best Air India international routes in 2026.
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