Is the Resumption of Direct Flights a Sign of Stable Development in Bilateral Relations with India?
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Synopsis
The recent resumption of direct flights between China and India marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations. This significant development not only enhances travel but also fosters economic ties and cultural exchanges, paving the way for enhanced cooperation between the two nations. Explore how this initiative reflects the commitment to stable bilateral relations.
Key Takeaways
- Direct flights between China and India have resumed, marking a significant diplomatic milestone.
- IndiGo and China Eastern Airlines are leading the charge in restoring air connectivity.
- New routes will enhance economic and cultural exchanges between both nations.
- Flights will operate multiple times a week, improving travel accessibility.
- This initiative is expected to benefit over 2.8 billion people across both countries.
Beijing, Oct 24 (NationPress) Referring to the reinstatement of direct flights between China and India over the weekend, Beijing expressed its commitment on Friday to foster the ongoing healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.
"The reinstatement of direct flights between mainland China and India represents the latest advancement in genuinely executing the critical consensus established by the two leaders during their meeting in Tianjin. It also serves as a positive initiative to promote friendly interactions between the over 2.8 billion citizens of China and India," stated Guo Jiakun, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a routine media briefing on Friday.
"China is eager to collaborate with India to view and manage China-India relations from a strategic and long-term standpoint, encouraging the ongoing healthy and stable development of their relations, which will mutually benefit both nations and their populations, while also contributing to the maintenance of peace and prosperity in Asia and globally," he added.
The Indian airline IndiGo recently revealed plans to resume daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26, marking it as one of the first Indian airlines to restore direct services to China. This announcement followed confirmation from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the restart of direct flights between the specified cities.
The low-cost airline has also announced the launch of new daily direct flights between New Delhi and Guangzhou, China, starting November 10. The airline stated that the route would be serviced by Airbus A320 aircraft.
On Thursday, China Eastern Airlines declared the resumption of its flights on the India route, including direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi commencing November 9, signaling a renewed momentum for people-to-people exchanges and economic collaboration between New Delhi and Beijing.
The service will operate three times a week—on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
“The flight from Delhi, MU564, will depart at 7:55 p.m., arriving in Shanghai at 4:10 a.m. the following day. Flight MU563 from Shanghai Pudong International Airport will leave at 12:50 p.m. and land at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at 5:45 p.m. local time. Tickets for this route are now available for purchase,” the airline mentioned in a statement.
The Shanghai to Delhi route stands out as one of the most strategically important air connections between India and China, linking the key economic and cultural centers of both countries.
The resumption of this service signifies the complete restoration of China Eastern Airlines’ operations in India.
Point of View
The resumption of direct flights between China and India reflects a significant commitment from both countries to enhance their diplomatic ties. It's a positive step towards fostering greater interaction between their populations and could lead to beneficial economic collaborations. This development is crucial not only for the two nations but also for regional stability.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the resumption of direct flights between China and India?
The resumption of direct flights signifies a positive step in strengthening diplomatic relations, facilitating easier travel, and promoting economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
What routes are being reinstated by airlines?
IndiGo is resuming flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, while China Eastern Airlines is reinstating flights between Shanghai and Delhi.
When will the flights resume?
IndiGo's flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou will restart on October 26, with additional flights from New Delhi starting on November 10. China Eastern Airlines will resume operations between Shanghai and Delhi on November 9.
How often will the flights operate?
China Eastern Airlines will operate its flights three times weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
What type of aircraft will be used for the flights?
IndiGo will operate its routes using Airbus A320 aircraft.
