India–China Direct Flights Resume After 5 Years: IndiGo Restarts Kolkata–Guangzhou Route

 

IndiGo flight

🇮🇳✈️🇨🇳 India–China Flights Resume After 5 Years

In a major development for Asian travel, IndiGo flight 6E1703 from Kolkata to Guangzhou touched down early Monday, marking the first direct flight between India and China in five years.
The route’s revival comes after the long suspension of air links due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions that froze travel since 2020.

The new connection between the world’s two most populous nations reflects a cautious but meaningful thaw in bilateral relations — a sign that both governments are looking to rebuild people-to-people and trade ties.

🛫 The First IndiGo Flight Lands Smoothly in Guangzhou

The first flight, which landed around 4 AM in Guangzhou, carried Indian passengers eager to reconnect for business, tourism, and family visits.

“It was such a smooth and easy, lovable trip,” said Rashika Mintri, a Kolkata-based interior designer. “I could come again and again.”

Captain Abhijit Mukherjee, who piloted the inaugural flight, said that previously travelers had to route through Bangkok or Singapore, which added cost and time.

“The new nonstop flight is very smooth and efficient,” he added, holding flowers presented upon arrival.

🤝 Why It Matters

India and China have faced strained ties since the 2020 border clash in the Himalayas, which left soldiers dead on both sides.
Following the incident, New Delhi restricted Chinese investments and banned hundreds of apps, including TikTok.

But recent diplomatic gestures — including Diwali greetings exchanged between soldiers and meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping — signal that both countries are attempting to ease tensions.

🌏 What’s Next for India–China Connectivity

With the successful resumption of the Kolkata–Guangzhou route, more flights are already planned:

• New Delhi–Shanghai and New Delhi–Guangzhou services will begin in November 2025, further strengthening air connectivity.

• China’s Jiangsu province and Indian business chambers are in talks to expand routes for cross-border trade.

The Indian government said the move would enhance “people-to-people contact” and help “normalize bilateral exchanges” after years of disruption. Also Read:Bangkok Post

💬 Voices From Both Sides

Local community leaders in Kolkata’s historic Chinatown welcomed the decision.

“It’s great news for people like us, who have relatives in China,” said Chen Khoi Kui from Tangra. “Air connectivity will boost trade, tourism, and business travel.”

Economists also noted that India runs a significant trade deficit with China, and easier connectivity may help balance imports with new export opportunities.

🔍 The Bigger Picture

The return of direct flights signals not just a travel revival, but a strategic recalibration in Asia’s diplomacy.

With India–US trade relations under pressure after recent tariff disputes, warmer ties with Beijing offer New Delhi new leverage in regional dynamics.

As The Indian Express wrote in a recent editorial:

“Improving ties with Beijing sends an appropriate signal to Washington.”

Still, challenges remain. Analysts warn that managing an assertive China will continue to test India’s long-term diplomatic balance.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The resumption of IndiGo’s Kolkata–Guangzhou route marks the first step in rebuilding trust and travel links between India and China after five turbulent years.
For travelers, it’s a convenient, time-saving connection; for both governments, a cautious reopening of a once-vital bridge between Asia’s two biggest economies.