Beijing: India and China have resumed direct flights, signalling a gradual thaw in diplomatic ties after years of strained relations.
IndiGo flight 6E 1703 from Kolkata has landed in Guangzhou on October 27, carrying around 180 passengers, marking the first commercial service between the two countries since early 2020.
Direct Flights had been suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic and remained grounded following the deadly border clash in the Himalayas that worsened tensions. However, both countries have made steady efforts to restore cooperation. A landmark border patrol agreement reached last year has paved the way for improving connectivity and trust.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has visited China in August for the first time in seven years, followed by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit to India in the same month. These high-level visits have helped strengthen communication channels and encouraged the reopening of direct air travel.
According to the Indian government, the resumption of direct services between India and China will facilitate people-to-people contact and promote the normalisation of bilateral exchanges. The government has also resumed issuing visas for Chinese tourists, aiming to boost tourism and trade.
At Kolkata airport, airline staff lit brass oil lamps to mark the occasion as passengers checked in for the flight. Qin Yong, a senior Chinese consular official, told reporters that it was a very important day for India-China relations.
Passengers expressed optimism that the renewed connection would improve logistics, reduce travel time, and enhance business opportunities between the two major Asian economies.
In addition to IndiGo’s service between Kolkata and Guangzhou, China Eastern Airlines is preparing to launch a Shanghai-Delhi flight in November, further expanding air connectivity. This move is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and educational exchanges between the two countries.
The resumption of direct flights marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, demonstrating progress in rebuilding trust and cooperation after years of tension. The resumption of direct air connectivity marks a significant milestone in rebuilding confidence between India and China.
As travel and trade channels reopen, both nations are expected to strengthen economic cooperation and cultural exchange, laying the groundwork for a more stable and collaborative regional partnership.
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