Air India’s Exciting Route

Air India has confirmed its return to Shanghai effective 1 February 2026.

The decision from the Indian flag-carrier comes as it seeks ways to deepen its relations with the Chinese mainland through improved connectivity.

That deepening of the relationship through the Shanghai (PVG) route follows nearly six years without a presence on the mainland, following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which decimated the airline’s operations.

Shanghai will be the 48th international destination served by the Group, and the newly announced service will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a twin-class aircraft.

Air India says the 787-8 is configured to seat 18 passengers in Business Class, seats here converting into flat beds, followed by 238 spacious seats in Economy Class.

The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India

Shanghai’s return to the airline’s network will help boost exchanges in key areas such as pharmaceuticals, technology, and even education, and represents part of the airline’s continued efforts to expand and rebuild connectivity.

With many more aircraft expected to be delivered to Air India in the coming years, thanks to sizeable investments from the Tata Group, there’s a strong focus on growth within the airline across the short to medium term.

Markets returning to growth, like Shanghai, are a positive step in the right direction for the business, as it finds ways to increase its market share and deepen ties with specific parts of the world where service has either been missing or not at the required level based on demand.

Air India Confirms Flight Details

The service to Shanghai (PVG), scheduled to commence on 1 February 2026, will operate out of Delhi with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Air India says AI352 will be the flight number for service outbound from India, departing at 1200 with a 2020 arrival into Shanghai.

Meanwhile, the return leg will operate as AI351 with a 2200 departure from Shanghai, allowing the aircraft to return to Delhi in the early hours of the following morning at 0315.

Air India confirms that the flight will operate four times a week with departures scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.