IndiGo on Thursday announced that it will resume direct passenger flights to China, restoring air connectivity between the two countries after a gap of more than five years.
The airline said it will operate a daily non-stop service from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, using its Airbus A320neo aircraft. Subject to regulatory approvals, a Delhi-Guangzhou route will also be launched in the coming months.
IndiGo stated that the restart will not only facilitate tourism but also help revive business and trade ties. “IndiGo has earlier operated flights to China and already has several arrangements in place. The past experience and familiarity with local partners will help us resume these flights smoothly,” the airline said in a statement.
The move follows the Ministry of External Affairs’ announcement that India and China would restart direct flights between designated cities this month. Passenger air connectivity had been suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic and diplomatic tensions, even as China remains India’s largest trading partner.
The resumption comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, his first trip to Beijing in seven years. Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping, with both leaders underlining the need for cooperation in trade and development while acknowledging ongoing concerns along the disputed border.
One of India’s pressing issues remains the trade deficit with China, which stands at nearly $99.2 billion. During his talks, Modi raised the need for a more balanced economic relationship.
Aviation and trade analysts believe IndiGo’s step could provide a timely boost to bilateral engagement. Improved connectivity is expected to aid businesses in both countries, support cross-border supply chains, and encourage tourism. The flights are also seen as a symbolic step in easing tensions between New Delhi and Beijing after years of strained ties.
While both governments have emphasized that peace along the border remains crucial, the revival of direct flights signals a willingness to expand cooperation in other areas. For travellers, the new services mark the return of easier access between two of Asia’s largest economies.
With IndiGo taking the lead, industry watchers expect other carriers may soon follow suit, further strengthening connectivity between India and China.
