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IndiGo starts daily Kolkata–Shanghai flights to boost India–China connectivity
ET Online | March 30, 2026 3:57 PM CST

Synopsis

IndiGo has launched a daily non-stop flight connecting Kolkata and Shanghai from March 29, 2026, enhancing air links between India and China. This new service, utilizing A320neo aircraft, aims to meet growing demand for business and leisure travel, facilitating trade and economic engagement. The route expands IndiGo's presence in China, now operating 21 weekly flights to the mainland.

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IndiGo has launched a daily non-stop flight between Kolkata and Shanghai from March 29, 2026, expanding its international network and strengthening air links between India and China. The airline will operate the route using A320neo aircraft, as it looks to meet rising demand for business and leisure travel between the two countries.

The new service adds to IndiGo’s recent expansion in China, following the resumption of Kolkata–Guangzhou flights and the launch of operations from Delhi. With this addition, the airline now operates 21 weekly flights to mainland China.

Connectivity expands for multiple Indian cities

The move is expected to improve connectivity from multiple Indian cities. Passengers from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur and Bhubaneswar can now access Shanghai through Kolkata, making travel more seamless.


IndiGo said the route is aimed at supporting trade, tourism and broader economic engagement between the two countries. Shanghai is a major global financial and commercial hub, and the airline expects the service to facilitate both business and leisure travel.

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“We are pleased to commence our daily, direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai, further strengthening connectivity between India and People’s Republic of China. Along with our existing daily connectivity from Delhi and Kolkata to Guangzhou, we now operate 21 weekly flights to mainland China. Shanghai is one of the world’s leading financial and commercial centres, and an important gateway for global trade," said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo.

"This new route will facilitate increased business as well as leisure travel opportunities and enable greater cultural and economic exchange between the two countries. As we continue to expand our international network, IndiGo remains committed to building strategic air links that connect India with key global markets,” he added.

Flight schedule (effective March 29, 2026)

SectorFlight No.DaysDepartureArrival
Kolkata – Shanghai6E 1709Daily21:4504:40 (+1)
Shanghai – Kolkata6E 1710Daily05:4009:05



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