Key Takeaways
- Direct India-China flights resume after 5-year suspension
- Kolkata-Guangzhou service departs October 26, 2024
- Delhi-Guangzhou daily flights to start November 10, 2025
- Move seen as part of broader normalization between nations
Direct flights between India and mainland China have officially resumed after a nearly five-year suspension, marking a significant step in restoring bilateral ties. The first scheduled service from Kolkata to Guangzhou departed on October 26, 2024, at 10 pm, as confirmed by Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing.
Background and Diplomatic Significance
Air connectivity between the two nations was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and subsequent border tensions that strained diplomatic relations. The resumption is viewed as part of a gradual normalization process between the world’s two most populous countries.
Officials expect the renewed connectivity will boost people-to-people contact and support broader efforts to restore bilateral exchanges.
Official Reactions
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during an October 11 briefing that commercial activity for direct services had commenced, calling it part of a “widening trend toward normalization” in India-China relations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gua Jiakun described the move as progress in “implementing important consensus” between both governments. The development is seen as a practical measure to facilitate exchanges between their combined 2.8 billion citizens.
Expanding Flight Schedule
Beyond the Kolkata-Guangzhou route, IndiGo has announced daily direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou will commence from November 10, 2025, using Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline stated restored connectivity presents opportunities for business travel, tourism, education and investment.
A Delhi-Shanghai service is also scheduled to begin in November, while regular flights between India and Hong Kong continue operating. Additional regional routes, including Delhi-Hanoi from December 20, reflect the carrier’s expanding international network.
Local community leaders in Kolkata’s Tangra district anticipate the improved connectivity will benefit families, tourism, and commercial activities between the two nations.
