Kolkata: Even as the aviation industry struggles to cope with the disruption caused by the conflict in W Asia, IndiGo’s plans to start a direct daily service between Kolkata and Shanghai spread cheer on Monday evening. This is the second daily flight between Kolkata and China. On Nov 10, 2025, the airline started a flight between Kolkata and Guangzhou, or Canton. “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 a key role in facilitating bilateral trade, and is expected to boost tourism and promote greater cultural exchange between the nations,” said IndiGo Airlines global head of sales Vinay Malhotra.
The airline will operate on the route using an Airbus A320 aircraft. The flight will take off for Shanghai from Kolkata at 9.45 pm and reach Shanghai at 4.40 am local time the next day. The return flight will take off at 5.40 am local time and touch down in Kolkata at 9.05 am. The starting return fare is Rs 28,000. TAFI chairman (east) Anil Punjabi 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,” he said. “This will be a big sector for Kolkata as there are lot of business between the two cities,” said Manav Soni of TAAI. Export of marine products, leather goods, and specialised textiles from Bengal to China will get a fillip, the trading community said. Sources said China Eastern Airlines is also evaluating resuming its daily service between Kolkata and Kunming.
