Air China Launches Direct Beijing-Delhi Flights, Enhancing Access for US Travelers via India Hubs

flights • 23 April 2026

**Air China Launches Direct Beijing-Delhi Flights, Enhancing Access for US Travelers via India Hubs** Air China has resumed direct non-stop flights between Beijing and Delhi, operating three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Airbus A330 aircraft. Departures from Beijing Capital International Airport are around 3:15 pm, arriving at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 8:20 pm local time, with economy fares starting from approximately 3,570 yuan (about $490 USD). According to Moneycontrol, this route marks Air China's second connection to India this month, complementing growing China-India air links that indirectly benefit US travelers routing through Delhi's major hub for seamless connections to China's capital and beyond.[2] Complementing this, China Eastern Airlines launched direct Kunming-Kolkata service on April 18, 2026, with six weekly round-trips on Boeing 737 aircraft, adding convenience for southwest China exploration. Time Out reports these developments reflect expanding aviation ties, with IndiGo's recent Kolkata-Shanghai and Delhi-Guangzhou routes further boosting options.[1][2] US travelers can leverage these via one-stop itineraries from hubs like New York or Los Angeles to Delhi, opening doors to Beijing's imperial sites, Kunming's ethnic diversity, and Yunnan's scenic wonders—ideal for summer 2026 trips. Canada also approved expanded direct passenger flights to China on April 20, allowing incremental growth beyond current 35 weekly round-trips by seven airlines, including Air Canada's Vancouver-Beijing and Shanghai services. Yicai Global notes falling fares and reciprocal access, signaling more capacity soon for North American gateways.[4] These enhancements position China as increasingly accessible, with practical routing tips available through major US carriers partnering on codeshares.

Sources