India-China Direct Flights Resume After Four Years

Direct air connectivity between India and mainland China has officially resumed after a four-year hiatus, marking a significant development in bilateral relations. IndiGo operates the inaugural flight today, departing from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata at 10 pm, heading to Guangzhou. The resumption comes as relations between the two nations have begun to normalize following years of diplomatic tensions.

Breaking the Connectivity Gap

The suspension of direct flights since early 2020 had significantly impacted travel between the two countries, forcing passengers to rely on connecting flights through Southeast Asian hubs. This arrangement led to inflated ticket prices and extended travel durations, creating inconvenience for business travelers and tourists alike. IndiGo’s Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers expressed enthusiasm about restoring this crucial air corridor, stating the airline is proud to be among the first to resume direct connectivity from multiple Indian cities.

Ticket Pricing and Future Expansion

According to IndiGo’s website, a flight ticket from Kolkata to Guangzhou on Monday is priced at Rs 35,673, though fares are subject to market fluctuations. The airline has indicated plans to introduce additional direct flights to China in the coming period. The passenger traffic between India and China through connecting hubs currently stands at less than half the pre-pandemic 2019 levels, suggesting significant potential for growth once direct services fully stabilize.

This restoration of direct flights is expected to facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas, further strengthening economic ties between the world’s two most populous nations and fast-growing economies.