New Delhi: IndiGo has announced a daily direct flight from Kolkata to Shanghai starting 29
March 2026, marking a significant expansion of its international network. The new
Kolkata–Shanghai flight comes as the airline strengthens connectivity between India and China
following the resumption of services to Guangzhou. With this move, IndiGo aims to improve
business and travel links between the two major countries expanding its presence on
international routes.
According to schedule, The new service will operate as a daily non-stop flight between Kolkata
and Shanghai, with the Flight 6E 1709 departing Kolkata at 21:45 and arriving in Shanghai at
around 04:40 the next morning. The return flight 6E 1710 will leave Shanghai at 05:40 and land
in Kolkata at approximately 09:05, offering a convenient overnight connection for travellers.
The route will be operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft, providing direct connectivity between
eastern India and one of China’s largest financial hubs.
Speaking during the briefing, Vinay Malhotra, Global Head of Sales at IndiGo, said:
“We are pleased to announce the launch of our new daily, direct connectivity between Kolkata
and Shanghai, China, in addition to our flights to Guangzhou. This development underscores
our commitment to connecting India to key global destinations. Shanghai is the country’s
biggest city, a global financial hub, and famous for its dazzling futuristic skyline complemented
with historic architecture. This addition to our network will play an important role in facilitating
bilateral trade and is expected to boost tourism and promote greater cultural exchange between
the two nations.”
Anil Punjabi, TAFI chairman (east) said “the new flight would be a boon for both business and leisure travellers. Till now, people visiting Shanghai had to travel via Singapore or Bangkok.”
The launch of the Kolkata–Shanghai route reflects IndiGo’s broader strategy to strengthen
connectivity between India and China as international travel demand gradually recovers. The
airline is looking to tap into growing business travel, trade links, and tourism between the two
countries.
Kolkata serves as a key gateway to East and Southeast Asia, and the new route is expected to
provide more convenient travel options for passengers while also expanding IndiGo’s
international network.
With the demand for business travel, tourism and trade links gradually increasing between India
and China, this move could strengthen the connectivity for passengers, boost tourism and foster
cultural exchange between the two countries.
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