The resumption of direct flights between India and China after a five-year hiatus marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two Asian giants. This development, long anticipated by officials and citizens alike, signals not only a revival of air connectivity but also a renewed commitment to strengthening trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties that were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On a historic evening at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, the inaugural IndiGo flight 6E1703 departed at 10:07 PM, carrying 176 passengers to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. This flight represented more than just a journey across borders; it symbolized a careful rebuilding of trust and cooperation between India and China. The airport director captured the moment on video, highlighting the significance of this event for both nations. Daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou have commenced immediately, underscoring the eagerness to restore regular connectivity. Additionally, routes from Delhi to Guangzhou are scheduled to begin on November 10, while flights between Shanghai and Delhi will resume on November 9, further expanding the network of direct air links.
The resumption ceremony was marked by a traditional lamp-lighting event that brought together passengers, airport officials, airline representatives, and diplomatic personnel to celebrate the occasion. Chinese Deputy Consul General in Kolkata, Qin Yong, described the day as “very important” for India-China relations. He emphasized that the return of direct flights was the “first fruit” of recent high-level consensus between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders’ discussions, he said, have paved the way for practical outcomes, reflecting a mutual desire to overcome past difficulties and focus on cooperation rather than rivalry.
Qin Yong further highlighted the role of India and China as regional leaders and urged both countries to deepen collaboration in global trade and international platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the Global South. This call for strengthened partnership reflects a broader vision where both nations work together to promote stability and growth in Asia and beyond.
From the Indian side, Airport Director Dr. P.R. Beuria welcomed the initiative enthusiastically, calling it a “great moment” for Kolkata and the eastern region of India. He acknowledged the crucial role played by the government in facilitating the resumption of the route and confirmed that IndiGo is the first airline to operate the service. Dr. Beuria expressed optimism that the direct flight would significantly boost business, tourism, and connectivity, reinforcing Kolkata’s growing status as an international aviation hub.
The restoration of these direct flights is expected to have a far-reaching impact on multiple fronts. For trade, the direct air link will facilitate smoother movement of goods and business personnel between India and China, two of the world’s largest economies. The improved connectivity is likely to enhance supply chain efficiencies and open new avenues for bilateral commerce, benefiting industries on both sides.
Tourism, which suffered greatly during the pandemic, stands to gain substantially from the renewed flights. Easier travel options will encourage cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions, strengthening ties at the grassroots level. The direct flights will make it more convenient for tourists, students, and professionals to visit each other’s countries, fostering mutual understanding and goodwill.
Moreover, the flights are symbolic of a broader effort to rebuild trust after a period marked by geopolitical tensions and border disputes. The five-year suspension of direct flights was a reflection of the strained relations during the pandemic and subsequent years. Their resumption signals a willingness on both sides to move forward and focus on constructive engagement.
The significance of this development is further underscored by the timing, coming soon after the high-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi. The leaders’ consensus has evidently translated into tangible action, demonstrating that diplomatic dialogue can yield practical benefits for citizens and businesses alike.
In summary, the recommencement of direct flights between India and China is a landmark event that goes beyond mere transportation. It embodies a renewed spirit of cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural exchange between two of Asia’s largest nations. As flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou take off daily, and routes connecting Delhi with Guangzhou and Shanghai are reinstated, the skies are reopening a vital corridor that promises enhanced trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
This initiative also highlights the strategic importance of Kolkata as a growing aviation hub in eastern India, capable of linking the region more closely with global markets. The government’s facilitation and IndiGo’s role as