NEW DELHI: As India prepares for the Dussehra celebrations, the government on Thursday revealed plans to restore direct commercial flights with China beginning in late October, signaling a key advancement in thawing bilateral ties. This development comes on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Tianjin last month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where he held talks with President Xi Jinping.
The move represents the second substantial initiative by New Delhi to foster routine interactions between the two Asian giants, building on the recent reinstatement of tourist visas for Chinese citizens. In an official release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the pact between the respective civil aviation regulators will enhance interpersonal connections, support the steady restoration of diplomatic engagements, and promote trade partnerships.
Commercial air routes between the nations have been grounded since the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak in early 2020, with the halt persisting amid escalating border disputes and geopolitical strains. New Delhi’s push to mend relations has gained added momentum in light of its encounters with the incoming Trump administration in Washington.
The groundwork for this revival was laid in January, when the two sides reached a preliminary understanding on reinstating flights during a visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing. Following that, officials from the aviation ministries have conducted detailed negotiations on operational protocols and updates to the bilateral Air Services Agreement.
In a swift follow-up to the MEA’s disclosure, budget carrier IndiGo confirmed it will inaugurate daily non-stop service linking Kolkata to Guangzhou on October 26. The airline also plans to introduce flights from Delhi to Guangzhou, with the launch timeline forthcoming. Sources indicate that flag carrier Air India is poised to reenter the market, potentially with a direct Delhi-Shanghai route operational before the close of the year.
IndiGo highlighted its established networks in the region as a factor in the rapid rollout. Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers commented, “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 fast-growing economies.”
Bookings for the Kolkata-Guangzhou route will commence on Friday, offering a tangible boost to connectivity that has long been absent.
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