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China Eastern Airlines will resume scheduled Shanghai–Delhi commercial flights from November 9, 2025, reopening a key direct link between two of Asia’s largest economic and cultural hubs.
The restart follows a multi-year suspension of many China–India passenger services and represents a major step in restoring air connectivity for business travelers, students, tourists, and trade delegations between the two countries.
This guide explains flight details, schedule and aircraft, ticketing tips, visa and entry essentials, how the route improves onward connections, and practical travel advice to help passengers planning trips between India and China.
Flight schedule, aircraft, and route details
China Eastern will operate the Shanghai Pudong to Delhi Indira Gandhi International service using Airbus A330-200 widebody aircraft, flying three times weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The outbound flight operates as MU563 departing Shanghai Pudong at 12:50 and arriving in Delhi at 17:45 local time.
The return flight operates as MU564 departing Delhi at 19:55 and arriving in Shanghai at 04:10 the following day local time.
Tickets for this service opened for sale on the airline’s booking platform and partner channels.
Aircraft and onboard experience
The A330-200 is a long-range widebody designed for medium- to long-haul operations and comfort.
China Eastern configures the aircraft to provide a comfortable cabin environment for economy and premium passengers, with emphasis on seat spacing and inflight amenities.
Select A330-200 services include onboard Wi‑Fi and entertainment options suitable for business passengers who need to work during flight and leisure travelers who want connectivity en route.
Strategic importance of the Shanghai–Delhi link
Reinstating the Shanghai–Delhi route is strategically significant because it reconnects Shanghai’s major international gateway with India’s political and economic capital.
Shanghai serves as a commercial, financial, and logistics hub that offers strong onward connectivity to destinations across China and beyond.
Delhi functions as a central node for domestic distribution across India and as a diplomatic and trade center.
Restoring direct flights shortens travel times, reduces transit complexity, and supports bilateral activities across trade, education, tourism, and technology partnerships.
How the route fits into China Eastern’s broader network
China Eastern’s relaunch of Shanghai–Delhi aligns with the carrier’s strategy of expanding international footprints, reopening previously suspended routes, and entering new markets across the Middle East, South Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
The airline has focused on restoring key international links and launching new services that leverage Shanghai Pudong as a global connecting hub.
The relaunch complements other network expansions announced by China Eastern and other carriers as diplomatic and commercial ties normalize and passenger demand returns.
Who benefits from the relaunch
- Business travelers requiring efficient non-stop connections between Shanghai’s corporate district and Delhi’s business community.
- Students traveling between Chinese universities and Indian families or exchange programs.
- Tourists seeking shorter travel times to Shanghai for leisure and gateway access to other Chinese destinations.
- Trade delegations and logistics professionals who need reliable flight schedules for meetings and cargo coordination.
- Transit passengers connecting through Pudong to North America, Europe, Japan, Korea, and other international destinations served by China Eastern and partner airlines.
Ticketing and booking strategies
When to book
Book as early as possible for travel during peak seasons such as Lunar New Year, Golden Week, and summer holidays when fares and seat availability tighten.
For the best balance of price and flexibility, monitor fares and set price alerts for the chosen dates.
Advance booking windows from 8 to 12 weeks generally yield good deals.
For urgent travel, check for last-minute promotional fares or flexible tickets.
Fare classes and upgrades
China Eastern offers multiple fare buckets across economy and premium cabins.
Travelers who need flexibility should choose fare classes with refundable or changeable terms.
Frequent flyers should compare the mileage accrual and partner airline benefits if using alliance or codeshare options.
Best booking channels
- Airline official website for direct fares and clear change policies.
- Reputable online travel agencies and meta-search engines to compare multi-carrier itineraries and one-stop alternatives.
- Corporate travel agents for group bookings and business-class negotiations.
Visa, entry, and travel documentation for Indian travelers
Visa types and application process
Indian passport holders must obtain the appropriate Chinese visa before arrival.
Common categories include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, work visas, and transit visas when applicable.
Applications typically require a valid passport with sufficient validity, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photograph, travel itinerary and ticket confirmations, proof of accommodation, and financial evidence.
Business travelers may additionally need invitation letters from Chinese host organizations.
Applicants should follow instructions from Chinese consulate or visa centers in India and use official visa service portals or authorized service providers.
Processing times and practical advice
Visa processing times can vary by consulate and season.
Allow several weeks for processing when possible and consider expedited service if available.
Confirm document checklists with the official consulate websites or authorized visa centers before applying to avoid delays.
Health, insurance, and entry checks
Carry proof of travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and COVID-era disruptions.
Verify the latest health entry requirements on official government portals and airline advisories because health screening and documentation rules can change.
Keep both digital and printed copies of visas, travel insurance, and itinerary confirmations.
Connecting beyond Shanghai: convenient onward travel options
Shanghai Pudong provides excellent onward connections to domestic and international destinations.
Travelers arriving in Pudong can access China Eastern’s domestic network to reach Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Shenzhen, and tourism destinations such as Guilin and Yunnan.
High-speed rail and domestic flights are efficient for intercity transfers when passengers plan multi-city itineraries.
For long-haul transit, Pudong offers a wide array of options to Europe, North America, Japan, Korea, and Oceania connecting through China Eastern and partner networks.
Alternatives: other India–China routing options
If direct Shanghai–Delhi seats sell out or timings do not meet traveler needs, consider the following alternatives:
- One-stop itineraries via hubs such as Bangkok, Columbo, and Hanoi that offer frequent schedules and competitive fares.
- Transit through Hong Kong on carriers that provide strong feeder services into Mainland China.
- Routes to other Chinese gateways such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu served by Chinese and international carriers with one-stop connections from major Indian metros.
One-stop options can be cheaper but increase total travel time, so choose based on cost, comfort, and schedule priorities.
Practical airport and boarding tips
At Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Allow sufficient time for international arrivals and customs, especially if connecting to domestic flights requiring transfer between terminals.
- Use published airport lounges and transit hotels if layovers warrant rest and workspaces.
- Check in online where possible to save time at the airport.
At Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Arrive at least three hours before international departures during busy periods.
- Keep travel documents accessible for immigration and security checks.
- Use airport transfer services and app-based taxis to reach city centers efficiently.
Luggage, comfort, and inflight services
Expect modern widebody services on the A330-200 with standard seat-belted economy provisions and options for premium seating if available.
China Eastern’s A330-200 routes may include inflight Wi‑Fi and entertainment systems that support business connectivity and passenger comfort.
Check baggage allowance and pre-order additional allowances if transporting excess baggage or professional equipment.
Trade, education, and tourism impacts
The Shanghai–Delhi direct route reduces friction for trade missions, educational exchanges, and tourism flows.
Reduced travel time makes short business trips more viable and encourages cultural exchange initiatives and tourism packages targeting both leisure travelers and niche segments such as heritage tourism and business delegations.
The route also helps air cargo and belly-hold logistics for certain time-sensitive trade items linking India’s markets to Shanghai’s distribution infrastructure.
Safety, regulations, and travel etiquette
- Observe local laws and customs in both countries; carry identification at all times.
- Respect cultural norms and corporate protocols when traveling for business.
- For longer stays, register local contact information with family and employers to aid in emergencies.
- Use official advisories for travel safety updates and any travel disruption notices.
Tips to find the best value fares
- Remain flexible on travel dates and airports to access lower fares.
- Use a mix of one-way searches and multi-city itineraries to unlock budget-friendly routing.
- Monitor airline flash sales, loyalty program promotions, and partner carrier discounts.
- Consider seasonal timing; shoulder seasons often yield lower prices and better travel conditions.
Sample itineraries for common traveler profiles
Business express: Delhi to Shanghai for a 48-hour meeting
- Outbound MU563 midday arrival allows same-day ground transfers to city hotels and early evening meetings.
- Return MU564 departs late evening from Delhi giving business travelers time for a final dinner or late-afternoon wrap-up and nighttime rest onboard.
Student and family travel: flexible dates connecting to tertiary education in Shanghai
- Book refundable fares and allow extra transit time for luggage and arrival formalities.
- Arrange short-term accommodation near university campuses if the domestic transfer is required after arrival.
Tourism and multi-city exploration: Shanghai plus southern China
- Use the Shanghai arrival to connect to domestic flights or high-speed rail to visit Hangzhou, Suzhou, Guilin, and Chengdu.
- Purchase a China domestic rail pass or book intercity flights in advance to lock in the best prices.
Frequently asked questions
When do flights resume and how often do they operate
Flights resume on November 9, 2025, operating three times a week on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday between Shanghai Pudong and Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.
What is the typical flight duration
Direct flight time between Shanghai and Delhi on the A330-200 typically ranges around 6 to 7 hours depending on winds and routing.
Are tickets already on sale
Yes, tickets for the relaunch route are available for purchase on China Eastern’s booking channels and through partners.
Which airports are involved
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the Shanghai gateway and Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport is the Indian gateway for the resumed service.
Comparison table: Shanghai–Delhi direct service versus common one-stop alternatives
| Feature | Shanghai–Delhi direct MU563/MU564 | One-stop via Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Typical travel time | ~6 to 7 hours | 9 to 16 hours depending on connection |
| Convenience | High; no transfer | Moderate to low; includes transfer and possible immigration |
| Price range | Moderate to high depending on demand | Often cheaper on sale fares |
| Frequent flyer benefits | Direct carrier accrual | Depends on alliance and partner codeshares |
| Onboard connectivity | A330 Wi‑Fi options available | Varies by carrier and aircraft |
Sources: airline schedules and route analyses The Economic Times The Daily Guardian.
Final practical checklist before you travel
- Confirm visa and passport validity.
- Check latest health and entry requirements.
- Book tickets early and secure seats if long-haul comfort matters.
- Pre-check baggage allowances and special item policies.
- Arrange airport transfers and domestic connections in China if needed.
- Keep digital and printed copies of all important travel documents.
Sources and further reading
- China Eastern Airlines official site: https://www.ceair.com
- Economic Times coverage of resumption: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/china-eastern-airlines-to-resume-shanghai-delhi-flights-from-november-9/articleshow/124653602.cms
- Malay Mail report on the reconnection of flights: https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/10/18/china-and-india-reconnect-skies-with-new-flights-from-nov-9-after-years-long-freeze/195041
- The Daily Guardian summary and route notice: https://thedailyguardian.com/world/china-eastern-airlines-resumes-shanghai-delhi-commercial-flights-from-nov-9-airline-website-673090/
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