IndiGo Strengthens India-China Connectivity; Commences Daily, Direct Flights Between Kolkata and Shanghai

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, commenced its daily, non-stop service between Kolkata and Shanghai, on 29 March 2026, marking another significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between India and People’s Republic of China.

Route & Schedule
- Launch date: 29 March 2026
- Aircraft: A320neo (fuel-efficient, modern cabin)
- Flight timings (local time):
- Kolkata → Shanghai: 21:45 departure, 04:40 (+1) arrival
- Shanghai → Kolkata: 05:40 departure, 09:05 arrival

Network Expansion
- Builds on IndiGo’s recent reinstated Kolkata–Guangzhou flights and new Delhi–Guangzhou operations.
- With Shanghai added, IndiGo now operates 21 weekly flights to mainland China.
- Provides one-stop connectivity from major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, etc.) to Shanghai via Kolkata.

Strategic Impact
- Business travel: Shanghai is a global financial hub, making this route vital for trade and corporate exchanges.
- Tourism & culture: Easier access for leisure travelers, fostering cultural exchange between India and China.
- IndiGo’s positioning: Strengthens its role as India’s largest carrier with growing international reach.

Customer Experience
- Booking available via IndiGo’s website, app, and partners.
- Options to pre-book meals (including alcoholic beverages) and customize travel with UpFront and Flexi products.
- IndiGo emphasizes affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free service, backed by its 400+ aircraft fleet and 2200+ daily flights.

Recognition
- Named Best Airline in India & South Asia (Skytrax, 2025).
- Ranked 6th Most Punctual Airline in Asia-Pacific (Cirium, 2025).

This route is not just about convenience—it’s a signal of IndiGo’s ambition to deepen its footprint in East Asia and connect India more seamlessly with global trade hubs.