Starting April 21, 2026, Air China is set to restart flights to India after a six-year hiatus. The service will operate three times per week between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi.
The Hiatus Period
In February 2020, the carrier flew its last flights to India, and it was the only airline serving nonstop flights to and from India. The services departed Beijing Capital and were directed to New Delhi and Mumbai. Air China suspended the services shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading globally.
Additionally, political tensions have also played a part in the ceasing of the flight. In June of 2020, a border conflict between the two countries broke out, leading to a deterioration of the diplomatic relations.
Overall, political developments and the COVID-19 were contributing factors to not only the stopping of the route, but also for the long hiatus period.
The Restarting of the Service
Beijing Capital and Indira Gandhi International Airport will be connected once again by late April 2026. The service will be operated with an Airbus A330-300 and will provide approximately 1,800 weekly seats across three direct flights. This route will be the only nonstop service between the two destinations.
China and India have reached a bilateral agreement on Aug. 20, 2025 where the countries decided to restart direct flights between them, allowing Air China to relaunch the route later this April.
Have you ever flown with Air China? What do you think of the restoration of this route? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
