Is IndiGo Resuming Flights Between India and China After Five Years?
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Synopsis
IndiGo's announcement to resume flights to China marks an important milestone in India-China relations, enhancing tourism and trade. With daily flights commencing from Kolkata to Guangzhou, this development signals a new era of connectivity and collaboration between the two countries.
Key Takeaways
- IndiGo resumes flights to China after five years.
- Daily non-stop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou begin October 26.
- Potential future routes from Delhi to Guangzhou are planned.
- Resumption aims to enhance tourism and trade.
- Significant diplomatic engagements precede this announcement.
New Delhi, Oct 2 (NationPress) - The low-cost airline IndiGo announced on Thursday the revival of its flight operations to China, signifying the restoration of direct air travel between the two nations after over five years. The airline plans to commence daily non-stop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting on October 26, utilizing its Airbus A320neo aircraft.
If regulatory approvals are granted, IndiGo also intends to initiate direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou in the coming months.
The airline emphasized that the resumption of these services will enhance tourism and re-open channels for cross-border trade and business collaborations.
“IndiGo has previously operated flights to China and possesses multiple existing arrangements. Our past experience and established relationships with local partners will aid in the smooth resumption of these flights,” the airline stated in a release.
This announcement follows the Ministry of External Affairs' confirmation that India and China will restart direct flights between designated cities this month.
Since 2020, there have been no direct passenger flights between the two nations, despite China being India's largest bilateral trade partner.
This development also comes on the heels of recent diplomatic discussions between the two neighboring countries. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
During his visit, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping talked about enhancing trade relations and agreed that India and China should function as development partners rather than competitors.
While both leaders highlighted the significance of maintaining peace and stability along the disputed border, PM Modi also raised concerns regarding India's growing trade deficit with China, which is currently estimated at nearly $99.2 billion.
Aviation and trade specialists believe that the recommencement of flights will bolster businesses on both sides, improving connectivity and fostering cultural and tourism exchanges, indicative of a cautious thaw in tensions between New Delhi and Beijing.
Point of View
The resumption of flights between India and China is a step towards rebuilding essential connections. It not only fosters tourism but also opens avenues for economic collaboration, reflecting a proactive approach to enhancing bilateral relations.
NationPress
02/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will IndiGo resume flights to China?
IndiGo plans to commence daily non-stop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting on October 26, 2023.
Why is the resumption of flights significant?
This resumption signifies the restoration of direct air connectivity between India and China after over five years, enhancing tourism and trade.
Will there be more routes added?
Yes, subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo also plans to start direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou in the coming months.
What impact will this have on India-China relations?
The flights are expected to improve connectivity, support cultural exchanges, and signal a cautious easing of tensions between New Delhi and Beijing.
What was the last year flights operated between the two countries?
There have been no direct passenger flights between India and China since 2020.
