IndiGo resumes direct Kolkata–Guangzhou flights after five years

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Indian aviation giant IndiGo on Monday resumes direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou. IndiGo, while issuing a statement, said that they have restarted flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, marking the resumption of direct air services between India and China after a gap of more than five years.

As reported by news agency PTI, the first flight, operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft, took off from Kolkata at around 10 pm (IST) on Sunday, and the return flight landed at about 7:50 am (IST).

The aviation company further stated that the Kolkata-Guangzhou flight will be operated on a daily basis.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said it is the first Indian carrier to resume daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, which is a major commercial hub. This flight service between India and China will also focus on strengthening trade and tourism between the two countries.

The Indigo CEO stated, "This flight operation will open doors for Chinese travellers and investors to explore the rich culture and growing markets of India."

He also added, "This strategic move will enhance bilateral ties, support MSMEs, and boost tourism, education, and healthcare in both countries," as cited by news agency PTI.

Expanding its China services, Indigo will also start operating flights between Delhi and Guangzhou from November 10.

However, the direct flights were operational between the two countries till early 2020 before being suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, the Indian and Chinese carriers had direct services before being suspended due to the conflict between the two nations over the eastern Ladakh border row.

Following the recent diplomatic initiatives, the airline has decided to resume direct flights between the two countries.

Earlier, on October 23, China Eastern Airlines announced the resumption of flights on its India route. The airlines announced that direct flight operations between Shanghai and Delhi will start from November 9.

As reported by news agency IANS, the service between New Delhi and China by China Eastern Airlines will operate three times weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

China Eastern Airlines, while issuing a statement about the same, said that "The flight from Delhi, MU564, will depart at 7.55 pm, arriving in Shanghai at 4:10 am the following day. Flight MU563 from Shanghai Pudong International Airport will depart at 12:50 pm and arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at 5:45 pm local time. Tickets for the route are now available for sale," as cited by news agency IANS.

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)