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21-11-2025
Bureau Report
NEW DELHI: Air India announced the resumption of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG) effective 01 February 2026, marking Air India’s return to mainland China after nearly six years. Subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, Air India also intends to introduce non-stop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026. Shanghai is the 48th international destination to be served by Air India group, which continues to carry more passengers internationally than any other airline in India.
Air India will operate four times a week between Delhi and Shanghai using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class. The reinstatement of Air India’s services to Shanghai follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored the air links paused in early 2020. Air India first launched non-stop services to mainland China in October 2000.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilizations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travelers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India.”
AirAsia X launches flights to Turkiye
AirAsia X (AAX) announced the launch of its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul. Flight D7 604, departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) on 14 November 2025 at 9:35AM and landed at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) at 4:05PM local time. This launch marks the first-ever AAX service to Turkiye, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint beyond Asia and offering affordable long-haul travel options for everyone.
Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A said: “The launch of our inaugural service to Istanbul is a bold, yet long-awaited step in AirAsia X’s long-haul growth strategy. Turkiye represents a strong and dynamic market with immense potential for both leisure and business travel. This new route not only enhances our network connectivity between Southeast Asia and Eurasia but also reinforces our position as a key player in affordable long-haul travel. As demand for international travel to various major cities in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East continues to accelerate, we remain focused on expanding into strategic markets that strengthen our global footprint and deliver greater value to our guests, partners and stakeholders across the region.”
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: “Istanbul has long been one of the most requested destinations among AAX’s guests, a true crossroads where East meets West, rich in history, culture and commerce. With this new service, Singaporeans can now enjoy a seamless and affordable Fly-Thru journey from Singapore to Turkiye via Kuala Lumpur, tapping into AirAsia’s vast network of over 130 destinations.”
In August, India and China are development partners, not rivals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed, as they discussed ways to improve trade ties amid global tariff uncertainty.
Modi is in China for the first time in seven years to attend a two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization regional security bloc, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Iran, Pakistan and four Central Asian states in a show of Global South solidarity.
