Renewed Skies: India-China Direct Flights Set to Soar Again

India and China are reviving direct air connectivity after a five-year pause. IndiGo will launch daily flights between Delhi and Guangzhou on November 10, following its Kolkata-Guangzhou route on October 26. Air India and Chinese carriers will also resume operations soon. This development, supported by bilateral discussions, aims to enhance trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, marking a significant milestone in fostering stronger ties between the two populous nations.

 After a hiatus of over five years, direct air connectivity between India and China is rapidly regaining momentum, signaling a significant step forward in fostering ties between the two nations. IndiGo, one of India's leading airlines, has paved the way by announcing daily direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou beginning November 10. This comes on the heels of its upcoming route launch from Kolkata to Guangzhou, slated for October 26. Meanwhile, Air India plans to reconnect with China by the end of the year, with several Chinese carriers also preparing to resume operations to India.

Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo's Global Head of Sales, expressed optimism about the renewed connectivity. “We are delighted to expand our network to China with daily direct flights from Delhi to Guangzhou, complementing our recently resumed Kolkata-Guangzhou route,” Malhotra shared. He highlighted the vast opportunities offered by this revival, emphasizing the potential for cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and enhanced opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, and education. These routes, he noted, will integrate China into IndiGo’s expansive domestic and international network, fostering stronger ties between two of the world’s most populous nations.

A Return to Pre-Pandemic Connectivity

Prior to the pandemic, India and China enjoyed robust air connectivity, with a total of 539 direct flights in 2019 operated by major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, China Southern, and China Eastern. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 brought international travel to a standstill, forcing travelers between the two countries to rely on third-country layovers, often in Southeast Asia.

The resumption of direct flights marks a long-awaited milestone. On October 2, India’s aviation ministry shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the renewed air routes stemmed from continuous technical discussions between the civil aviation authorities of both nations. The ministry emphasized that this development aligns with broader efforts to normalize bilateral relations, boost people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen economic partnerships.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Connectivity

The revival of direct air links between India and China holds immense significance in the current geopolitical and economic climate. By easing travel, these connections are expected to foster increased interaction between businesses, students, and tourists, paving the way for enhanced cultural understanding and cooperation. As airlines on both sides gear up for this new chapter, the skies between India and China are set to become busier, reflecting a renewed commitment to collaboration and growth.

With IndiGo leading the charge and other airlines preparing to follow suit, the reestablishment of direct connectivity symbolizes a promising step toward revitalizing relations and unlocking the untapped potential between these neighboring powerhouses.