India-China Air Travel Resumes After 4 Years
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, marked a major milestone on May 16, 2024, by operating the first direct Kolkata-Guangzhou flight since 2020. This ends a four-year halt in commercial air travel between India and China, initially suspended due to COVID-19 and geopolitical strains.
Why This Route Matters for Bilateral Ties
The resumption signals cautious progress in India-China relations, still strained since the 2020 Galwan clash. The route will aid business travelers, students, and families reconnecting after years of disrupted travel.
Flight Details:
– Route: Kolkata (CCU) → Guangzhou (CAN)
– Flight No.: 6E 1003
– Schedule: 3x weekly (Wed, Fri, Sun)
– Aircraft: Airbus A321neo (5-hour journey)
Kolkata-Guangzhou: A Key Trade & Tourism Corridor
Kolkata’s historical ties with Guangzhou make it a strategic choice. Key beneficiaries include:
– Businesses: Traders in textiles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
– Students: Over 20,000 Indians study in China, mostly in medicine/engineering.
– Tourists: Potential boost for heritage and cultural travel.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the restart, hurdles remain:
✔ Visa delays: China still restricts tourist visas for Indians.
✔ Geopolitical tensions: Border disputes could impact further expansions.
✔ High fares: Current ticket prices are 30-40% above pre-COVID levels.
Industry Response & Future Plans
Analysts urge adding Mumbai-Shanghai and Delhi-Beijing routes next. Air India may relaunch China flights in late 2024.
Passenger Reaction:
“Finally, a direct flight! No more expensive layovers in Hong Kong.” – Kolkata-based entrepreneur on inaugural flight.
What’s Next for India-China Flights?
The Indian government is negotiating expanded air agreements, but progress hinges on diplomatic developments.
