Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: In a significant step toward strengthening India-China relations, regular direct air connectivity between the two neighbouring nations has resumed after more than five years, according to a report in The Statesman.
IndiGo restarted its flight service connecting Kolkata and Guangzhou from October 26, while China Eastern Airlines will resume its Shanghai-Delhi operations from November 9. The Chinese airline would operate three flights every week – on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays – using an A330-200 aircraft.
“The resumption of this service marks the full restoration of China Eastern Airlines’ network in India, providing fresh momentum for people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade collaboration,” a source stated.
Speaking at an event in Kolkata, China’s Consul General Xu Wei said the move comes as part of broader efforts by both countries’ foreign ministries and civil aviation departments to reinforce their 75 years of bilateral relationship through enhanced trade and people-to-people exchanges.
Vinay Malhotra, head of global sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to enhance our connectivity to China with daily direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, in addition to the resumed route from Delhi also.”
Deputy Consul General of China in Kolkata, Qin Yong, said the initial aim is to connect Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen with Delhi and Kolkata. “We have the concept of ‘four-layer’ cities.
China’s fourth-tier cities are smaller but rapidly developing urban centres located beyond the major commercial hubs. Over recent years, these cities have witnessed fast-paced growth in infrastructure, industries, and retail markets. They could play an increasingly important role in strengthening India and China’s internal economy. We wish to build a sincere and closer partnership with India so that trade and commerce between the two countries grows stronger,” he said.
Officials of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) noted that the Union civil aviation ministry is hoping the direct connectivity will have far-reaching economic benefits for the region. “The revival of air links will significantly improve commercial engagement between eastern India and southern China, particularly in sectors like textiles, electronics, and small-scale manufacturing. It will also promote tourism between the two countries,” the official said.
Xu Wei also highlighted that the flights would ease education and medical exchanges, allowing Indian students studying in China and Chinese nationals visiting Kolkata for healthcare or business to travel more conveniently.
“Direct flights reduce both time and cost, expanding economic opportunities and enhancing the trade potential of eastern India,” he added.
Direct flights between India and China were operational until early 2020 but were suspended following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and amid tensions along the eastern Ladakh border.
On October 2, India’s civil aviation ministry had announced that direct air services would resume by the end of October, following continuous technical-level engagements between civil aviation authorities of both nations — a clear indication of efforts to normalise bilateral ties.
Future routes under discussion may include Kolkata–Guangzhou and Chennai–Shenzhen, aimed at linking more commercial hubs in both countries.
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