IndiGo launches daily direct Kolkata–Shanghai flights from March 29, 2026; check timings, schedule and route details

IndiGo strengthens India–China connectivity with new daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Shanghai starting March 29, 2026.

• IndiGo to start daily Kolkata-Shanghai flights on March 29, 2026
• New route offers non-stop travel, reducing journey time
• Expansion aims to boost business, tourism, and trade ties

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At a time when parts of the aviation sector are witnessing route suspensions and operational adjustments, IndiGo has announced a fresh international expansion. The airline will launch daily direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai starting March 29, 2026, strengthening air connectivity between eastern India and China’s financial capital.

The move comes as part of IndiGo’s broader strategy to enhance its footprint in key Asian markets and offer more seamless international travel options to Indian passengers.

Direct Connectivity Between Kolkata And Shanghai

The new service will connect Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata with Shanghai through a non-stop route, eliminating the need for layovers and significantly reducing travel time for passengers.

Flight Schedule (Effective March 29, 2026)

Flight 6E 1709

Departs Kolkata: 9:45 PM

Arrives Shanghai: 4:40 AM (next day)

Flight 6E 1710

Departs Shanghai: 5:40 AM

Arrives Kolkata: 9:05 AM (local time)

The route will be operated using IndiGo’s Airbus A320 aircraft, ensuring daily frequency and greater flexibility for both business and leisure travellers.

Passengers can book tickets through IndiGo’s official website, mobile application, and authorised travel partners.

Boost For Business, Trade And Tourism

Shanghai, one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan cities, is globally recognised as China’s financial and commercial powerhouse. From its iconic skyline along the Bund to its striking mix of futuristic skyscrapers and historic architecture, the city attracts both corporate and leisure travellers throughout the year.

The new direct air connection between Kolkata and Shanghai is expected to significantly reduce travel time by eliminating transit stops. This will allow faster and more efficient movement of business travellers between India and China.

The service is also likely to enhance tourism flows between West Bengal and Shanghai, offering travellers easier access to one of Asia’s most vibrant urban destinations. At the same time, it can facilitate stronger trade exchanges by improving connectivity between the two regions.

Trade ties between West Bengal and China have shown steady growth in the financial year 2025–26. Exports such as marine products, leather goods, and specialised textiles have witnessed rising demand. With the introduction of daily direct flights, business travel, cargo coordination, and cross-border collaboration are expected to become smoother and more streamlined.

Part Of IndiGo’s Broader China Strategy

The launch of the Kolkata–Shanghai route comes close on the heels of IndiGo’s recent reinstatement of services to Guangzhou, underlining the airline’s renewed focus on strengthening air connectivity between India and China. By adding Shanghai to its international network from eastern India, IndiGo is widening strategic access to some of China’s most important economic and commercial centres.

With daily, non-stop operations, the new route is expected to offer greater convenience and flexibility for a wide range of travellers. Corporate professionals will benefit from faster and more efficient business travel between the two countries.

Export–import businesses can look forward to smoother movement of people supporting trade operations.

The service will also cater to students and academic professionals travelling between India and China.

In addition, tourists planning short-haul international trips to China’s financial hub are likely to find the direct connectivity especially convenient.

What This Means For Travellers

For passengers in eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, the new route offers a faster and more convenient gateway to China. Whether it’s a business meeting in Shanghai’s financial district or a cultural exploration of the city’s historic neighbourhoods, the direct service reduces travel hassle.

As international aviation gradually stabilises amid fluctuating global conditions, this expansion highlights IndiGo’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening cross-border travel corridors.

With daily non-stop connectivity now on the schedule, travel between Kolkata and Shanghai is set to become smoother and more accessible from late March 2026.