After nearly five years, direct air travel between India and mainland China has resumed, marking a major step in restoring post-pandemic connectivity and trade links between the two nations.
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On Sunday, IndiGo launched its daily non-stop service between Kolkata and Guangzhou, re-establishing a crucial aerial bridge that had been suspended since 2020. The inaugural flight departed from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) in Kolkata to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, carrying 176 passengers on board.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) described the route resumption as a “milestone for the nation’s aviation sector.”
With this service, travellers now have a direct, cost-effective option between Kolkata and Guangzhou, eliminating the need for layovers through other cities. Current one-way fares start at approximately ₹11,003, while round-trip tickets average around ₹24,397.
Historical fare data indicates April remains the most economical month to fly on this route, but officials noted that the immediate benefit lies in restoring a vital travel and trade corridor disrupted by the pandemic and border tensions.
The resumption also signals broader momentum in India-China air connectivity. IndiGo will add a daily Delhi–Guangzhou flight from November 10, while China Eastern Airlines is set to restart its Shanghai–Delhi service on November 9. Air India is also preparing to resume its China operations before the end of the year.
The restored routes are expected to boost bilateral business, tourism, and cargo exchange, helping both nations rebuild people-to-people and economic links after a prolonged hiatus.
