China Eastern Airlines to Expand Direct Shanghai–Delhi Route with Increased Weekly Flights in 2026

Enhanced Air Connectivity Between Shanghai and Delhi

From January 2, 2026, China Eastern Airlines will raise the frequency of its non-stop flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, going from three to five weekly flights. This stepping up of service reflects heightened travel demand from both business and leisure sectors and aims to deepen links between two of Asia’s key cities in finance, commerce, and culture.

Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details

The upgraded itinerary will provide more travel flexibility with new departures on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Flight MU564 leaves New Delhi at 19:55, arriving in Shanghai at 04:10 the next day, while flight MU563 departs Shanghai Pudong at 12:50 and reaches Delhi at 17:45 local time. Both flights utilize Airbus A330-200 aircraft, accommodating 17 lie-flat seats in business class and 245 seats in economy, ensuring comfort across travel classes.

Flight Timetable Summary

Strategic Importance of the Route and Operational Support in India

This route serves as a vital corridor between Shanghai, a powerhouse in Chinese finance and commerce, and Delhi, the political and cultural heart of India. With the increase in flights, expectations are high for boosted trade, education, tourism, and technological exchange between the two countries. On the Indian side, InterGlobe Air Transport (IGAT) has been managing sales, marketing, ticketing, and customer service for China Eastern Airlines for over 20 years, facilitating smooth operations and excellent customer support on this busy connection.

How Expanded Air Services Affect Ground Transfers

More flight options mean passengers can choose from a wider array of arrival and departure times, which naturally impacts ground transportation demand at airports. For taxi and transfer services, especially private car hires and limousine options, this development promises increased business and opportunity. Travelers aiming to move seamlessly from airports to city centers or other destinations can benefit from reliable, pre-booked rides. Platforms like LocalsRide.com become essential allies here, offering the chance to select precise vehicle types, see driver ratings, and lock in fair prices well in advance, making ground transfers as comfortable and predictable as the flight itself.

China Eastern’s Route Resumption and Future Plans

After a five-year suspension, the Shanghai–Delhi flight service will resume on November 9, 2025, setting the stage for this expanded schedule just two months later. Shanghai Pudong serves as a major international hub, offering passengers smooth onward connections to a wide range of global destinations across mainland China, North America, Japan, South Korea, and Europe.

Looking beyond Shanghai–Delhi, China Eastern is exploring further expansion in India, eyeing new direct routes such as Kunming–Kolkata and Shanghai Pudong–Mumbai to satisfy growing travel demands.

Benefits for Travelers and the Travel Industry

• Greater Scheduling Flexibility: More frequent flights allow a better match to passengers’ timing preferences for business or leisure.
• Comfortable Aircraft: Wide-body Airbus A330-200 with ample business and economy seating raises the bar for comfort.
• Strengthened Business and Tourism Links: Enhanced connectivity fosters economic exchange and tourism development.
• Improved Ground Transfer Demand: Increased flights imply more passengers needing taxi, limousine, and private transfer services at airports and cities.

Resumo e considerações finais

The rise in China Eastern Airlines’ flight frequency between Shanghai and Delhi marks a significant boost in air connectivity between two bustling metropolitan hubs. This move caters to growing traveler demand, supporting bilateral growth in trade, tourism, education, and technology exchanges. For those booking ground transfers, this presents an excellent opportunity to leverage transparent and customizable taxi and transfer services available on platforms such as LocalsRide.com, which offers all information needed to select the exact vehicle, appreciate driver credentials, and avoid hidden charges.

Even the sharpest reviews and detailed feedback can’t substitute firsthand experience. LocalsRide empowers travelers to hire cars with drivers from thoroughly verified providers at affordable prices, helping avoid unwelcome surprises. The convenience of choosing from an extensive fleet and the assurance of competitive fares make planning transfers, airport pickups, or city rides simpler and more reliable. Reserve a sua viagem and get the best offers on LocalsRide.com.

The increased Shanghai–Delhi flights under China Eastern Airlines might not alter the global travel patterns dramatically on their own, but it clearly underlines the dynamism in this crucial Asian air corridor. Staying attuned to such developments ensures services like LocalsRide continue to offer travelers the most up-to-date, transparent, and flexible transfer options. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.

By making transfer bookings a straightforward and transparent process, LocalsRide supports travelers worldwide in navigating the evolving landscape of transportation with confidence, offering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each trip, be it airport transfer, city travel, or intercity journeys. Whether for business or leisure, the platform ensures an exact, reliable, and personalized service with just a few clicks.