By Mewati Sitaram
In a major step toward restoring normalcy in bilateral exchanges, direct flights between India and China have resumed after nearly five years. IndiGo operated the first reinstated service from Kolkata to Guangzhou on Sunday night, formally reviving nonstop air connectivity that had remained suspended since early 2020.
The airline will operate the route daily using an Airbus A320 and is set to launch a Delhi–Guangzhou service from November 10. State-owned China Eastern Airlines will resume its Shanghai–Delhi route from November 9, operating three times a week with an Airbus A330-200.
Officials said the resumption of direct flights will strengthen business travel, tourism, student mobility and people-to-people exchanges — sectors that were severely impacted during the suspension. Diplomatic observers also view the move as a positive signal in the broader framework of trade stability and gradual improvement in political dialogue.
Entrepreneur Vishal Jain shares a cheerful moment with the Indian Prime Minister during an event.
Industry insiders expect more routes to be restored in the coming months, including the possible relaunch of Air India’s Delhi–Shanghai service later this year, which would mark a near-complete revival of the pre-pandemic aviation corridor between the two Asian economic powerhouses.
Confirming the development, Yu Jing, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, stated on X: “Direct flights between China and India are now a reality. The Kolkata–Guangzhou route launches today, while Shanghai–New Delhi flights will begin on November 9, operating three times a week.”
Vishal Kamal Jain, an entrepreneur based in Quanzhou for 23 years, added: “For those of us who live and work here, this is more than just a flight — it’s a bridge reopening. The resumption of direct flights is a timely and positive step that restores confidence, encourages business and boosts people-to-people ties. India and China are the world’s two most populous nations, and their economies will grow manifold through deeper engagement. Beyond trade, tourism itself can become a powerful economic driver and help rebuild warmth in bilateral relations.”
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
