Direct flights between India and China have officially resumed after a five-year suspension, signaling a thaw in relations between the two countries. The resumption is viewed as an important step for trade and a symbolic gesture in the cautious rebuilding of ties between the two Asian giants.
The first flight, IndiGo flight 6E1703, departed from Kolkata and arrived in Guangzhou, China, on Sunday. Flight 6E1703 from Kolkata touched down in Guangzhou just before 4:00 a.m. local time, marking the official resumption of nonstop air links that had been suspended since 2020. The suspension was initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was later exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.
The Indian government stated that the resumption of flights would increase "people-to-people contact" and help to "gradually normalize bilateral exchanges". Passengers on the first flight expressed their happiness about the resumption of direct flights. Rashika Mintri, an interior designer from Kolkata who was on the flight, described the trip as "smooth and easy". She added that she would happily travel the route again. Abhijit Mukherjee, the captain of the first flight, noted that the direct flight eliminated the need for transfers through airports in Bangkok or Singapore.
Direct flights between India and China were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the suspension of approximately 500 monthly services. Relations between the two nations further deteriorated after a border skirmish in 2020, resulting in casualties on both sides. Following the clash, India tightened restrictions on Chinese investments and banned numerous apps, including TikTok.
Despite remaining strategic rivals, both nations have gradually eased tensions since the 2020 Himalayan border clash. Meetings between leaders in Russia and China have seemingly helped to de-escalate the situation.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to benefit businesses by reducing logistics and transit times. Rajeev Singh, head of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, told AFP that the direct air link would be advantageous for businesses. Kolkata has long-standing ties with China dating back to British rule when Chinese migrants arrived as traders.
Additional services from New Delhi to Shanghai and Guangzhou are scheduled to begin in November. IndiGo announced plans to begin daily nonstop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou using Airbus A320neo aircraft. IndiGo also confirmed that daily direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou would commence on November 10, pending regulatory approvals.
