The logo of China Eastern Airlines is pictured at the headquarters of China Eastern Airlines in Shanghai, China March 21, 2023. Photo: REUTERS
State-backed China Eastern Airlines 600115.SS will resume Shanghai-Delhi flights from November 9, the airline’s website said on Saturday, as China and India resume direct air links amid a diplomatic thaw after a five-year freeze.
Flights will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, the airline’s online ticket sales platform said. China Eastern Airlines did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Read: Direct flights resume between India and China after five years of suspension
India’s Foreign Ministry announced earlier this month that commercial flights between the two neighboring countries would resume after a five-year freeze.
The announcement follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China in more than seven years, for a summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization regional security bloc. The two sides discussed ways to improve trade relations, while Modi raised concerns over India’s growing bilateral trade deficit.
Learn more: India and China agree to resume direct flights
The Indian and Chinese foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Shanghai-Delhi flights.
India’s largest carrier, IndiGo INGL.NS, previously announced it would launch daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou.
State-backed Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport said at the time of IndiGo’s announcement that it would encourage airlines to open more direct routes, for example between Guangzhou and Delhi.
The two countries suspended direct air links in 2020 after deadly military clashes along their Himalayan border led to a prolonged military standoff.
