China Eastern Airlines Boosts Connectivity with Daily Delhi-Shanghai Flights
Starting 2 January 2026, China Eastern Airlines is set to offer daily non-stop flights connecting New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport with Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This move comes after robust passenger demand following the route’s relaunch in November 2025.
From Relaunch to Rapid Expansion
The Delhi-Shanghai route experienced a successful comeback in late 2025 after a five-year pause. Initially, flights were scheduled three times per week, with plans to increase to five. However, strong demand prompted an immediate upgrade to daily service, reflecting deepening ties in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Operational Details and Passenger Experience
The flights operate under schedule numbers MU564 and MU563, with departures from Delhi at 19:55, arriving in Shanghai early the next morning at 04:10 hours. The return journey leaves Shanghai at 12:50, landing in Delhi at 17:45. These flights utilize Airbus A330-200 aircraft, offering 18 lie-flat business class seats alongside 245 economy class spaces, designed to provide comfort on this international journey.
| Flight | Departure | Arrival | Aircraft | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MU564 | Delhi 19:55 | Shanghai 04:10 (next day) | Airbus A330-200 | 18 Business, 245 Economy |
| MU563 | Shanghai 12:50 | Delhi 17:45 | Airbus A330-200 | 18 Business, 245 Economy |
Seamless Connections Across India and Beyond
Passengers benefit from the airline’s extensive interline agreements connecting 39 Indian cities with Shanghai via Delhi. This means that travelers from smaller cities can book a single ticket through to their final destination within China and beyond, with through-checked baggage making transfers hassle-free.
Future Network Growth in India
China Eastern plans to deepen its footprint in the Indian market with upcoming services such as the Kolkata-Kunming route and a new Mumbai-Shanghai connection. These developments reflect strategic efforts to support the bilateral economic and cultural exchanges, potentially enhancing tourism and business travel traffic.
Implications for Taxi and Transfer Services
With the new daily flights, airport taxi and transfer services in both New Delhi and Shanghai can expect increased demand. Travelers will look for reliable transfer options to and from airports to hotels, business centers, and local attractions. Platforms like LocalsRide.nl are well-positioned to assist, providing users with the ability to choose exact vehicles based on preferences, view car models, and access ratings beforehand, ensuring smooth last-mile connectivity.
A seamless transfer experience complements the convenience of flying daily on this route and helps passengers manage timing and logistics efficiently. Airport transfers, especially for those arriving late or departing during daytime hours, become vital for comfortable travel.
Summary of Key Benefits
- Daily flights provide greater flexibility and convenience for passengers traveling between India and China.
- Wide-body aircraft with premium seating options enhance passenger comfort on the route.
- Interline connectivity enables travelers from many Indian cities to enjoy hassle-free bookings and baggage handling.
- Expansion plans signal China’s growing engagement and economic partnerships with India, boosting tourism and business exchanges.
Getting the Best Travel Experience with Verified Transport Providers
The success of this enhanced air route is exciting for travelers, though even the most detailed reviews can’t replace firsthand experience. For ground travel, LocalsRide offers an excellent option to hire cars with professional drivers from accredited providers at reasonable fares. This ensures you can navigate both Delhi and Shanghai efficiently without worrying about surprises or overpaying.
With a broad selection of vehicle types, along with many additional options, travelers have the freedom to tailor their transfers to personal tastes and needs while enjoying transparency unmatched by traditional booking services. This helps in managing travel budgets while ensuring high service quality.
Boek je rit on LocalsRide.nl for the best value and convenience.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on Travel and Transfers
While the global tourism map constantly evolves, the launch of daily flights between two key Asian hubs like Delhi and Shanghai is a significant nod toward strengthening regional air travel connectivity. Although this development might not drastically change global travel flows overnight, it is undoubtedly a meaningful stride in enhancing India’s and China’s accessibility.
LocalsRide stays ahead of such developments, providing users worldwide with up-to-date, comprehensive transfer options that streamline travel experiences across regions. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.
Conclusie
The introduction of China Eastern Airlines’ daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai from January 2026 marks a key milestone in connecting two vibrant economic and cultural centers. The increased frequency caters to strong passenger demand and supports smoother trade and tourism flow, backed by comfortable Airbus A330-200 aircraft offering premium options.
Travelers across India benefit from enhanced connectivity through interline partnerships, allowing easier access to China’s broader network. Meanwhile, taxi and transfer services around these cities can anticipate growth, making it all the more important to rely on transparent, trustworthy ground transportation providers like LocalsRide.com.
LocalsRide delivers a unique platform where passengers can book private airport transfers, taxis, and car services with a clear view of vehicle types, driver ratings, and prices — details that empower travelers to make informed choices. Whether you seek a limousine, a cheap cab, or a private car with an experienced driver, LocalsRide offers convenience, competitive pricing, and a wide range of options for your city or airport transfers worldwide.