IndiGo, the country’s premier commercial passenger airline, has resurrected the Kolkata–Guangzhou flight, restoring direct air connectivity between India and China. The route had been suspended following the COVID-19 pandemic and further delayed due to the downturn in diplomatic relations between the two countries after the border clashes in 2020.
Earlier, more than 40 weekly flights connected Indian metropolitan cities with Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming. All of these were suspended in 2020. The Union Government’s decision to reopen tourist visas for Chinese nationals paved the way for the resumption of flights, with Delhi and Beijing agreeing in principle to restore air services during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China in January.
IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said, “This will once again allow seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas, while also strengthening bilateral ties between two of the world’s most populous countries and fastest-growing economies. With this very important step, we are looking at introducing more direct flights to China.”
On the occasion of the resumption of flight services between China and Kolkata, a ceremonial lamp was lit by passengers, symbolizing the spirit of renewed friendship and cooperation between India and China, an official said.
The resumption of the daily direct connection between Kolkata and Guangzhou will further resurrect West Bengal capital’s position as a key international aviation hub in eastern India, officials pointed out.
