IndiGo has taken another decisive step in expanding its presence in East Asia, launching a new daily non stop service between Kolkata and Shanghai.
The inaugural flight departed on 29 March 2026, marking what the airline describes as a significant milestone in strengthening air links between India and the People’s Republic of China.
As the carrier noted, the new route builds on its recent growth in the Chinese market, including the reinstatement of Kolkata Guangzhou services and the start of operations from Delhi.
The airline emphasised that the flights are operated by its fuel efficient A320neo aircraft, offering what it calls a comfortable flying experience.
A Strategic Expansion into One of Asia’s Most Influential Markets
Shanghai’s addition to IndiGo’s network is more than a route launch.
It represents a strategic push into one of the world’s most influential commercial and financial hubs.
The airline highlighted that the new service responds to rising demand for trade and tourism between two of the world’s most populous nations.
In the release, IndiGo stated that several major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur and Bhubaneswar will now have convenient one stop access to Shanghai via Kolkata.
This positions Kolkata as a growing gateway for East Asia, reinforcing its role in IndiGo’s international network.
For Shanghai, the route adds another direct link to India’s expanding aviation market, which continues to show strong outbound and inbound demand across business and leisure segments.
With Kolkata-Shanghai, IndiGo’s China Footprint Reaches 21 Weekly Flights
Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s Head of Global Sales, underscored the significance of the new service, noting that the airline now operates 21 weekly flights to mainland China.
In his words, “We are pleased to commence our daily, direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai, further strengthening connectivity between India and People’s Republic of China.”
He added that Shanghai is one of the world’s leading financial and commercial centres and an important gateway for global trade, emphasising that the new route will support business and leisure travel while enabling greater cultural and economic exchange.
The airline’s messaging aligns with its broader international strategy, which focuses on building high demand, high relevance routes that connect India with key global markets.
China, with its scale and economic influence, remains central to that ambition.
Kolkata-Shanghai Flight Schedule and Operational Details
The new service operates daily in both directions.
Flight 6E 1709 departs Kolkata at 21:45 and arrives in Shanghai at 04:40 the following day.
The return service, 6E 1710, departs Shanghai at 05:40 and lands in Kolkata at 09:05.
All timings are listed in local time zones, with the release noting that the arrival into Shanghai is a next day operation.
The schedule is designed to offer overnight eastbound travel and a morning return, enabling same day onward connections in both markets.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
IndiGo also highlighted the range of ancillary options available to customers booking the new route.
Travellers can book through the airline’s website, mobile app or authorised partners, and can pre order meals and beverages, including alcoholic options.
The carrier also promoted its UpFront and Flexi products, which offer benefits such as comfort seating, complimentary snacks and more flexible cancellation terms.
These additions reflect IndiGo’s ongoing effort to evolve its product offering on international routes, particularly as competition intensifies across Asia.
A Growing Global Network Backed by Scale
The press release also reiterated IndiGo’s position as one of the fastest growing carriers globally.
The airline now operates a fleet of more than 400 aircraft and runs over 2200 daily flights across 95 domestic and 40 international destinations.
It carried 124 million passengers in calendar year 2025 and has been recognised with multiple awards, including Best Airline in India and South Asia at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
With the launch of Kolkata Shanghai, IndiGo continues to build momentum in its international expansion, reinforcing its ambition to connect India with the world through reliable, high frequency and strategically chosen routes.
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