UPDATE: Direct flights between India and China are set to resume on October 26, marking the end of a more than five-year hiatus. This development signals a cautious thaw in bilateral relations, with both nations eager to strengthen economic ties.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport officially confirmed this exciting news, following India’s foreign ministry announcement earlier today. The first flights will be operated by IndiGo, India’s largest airline, which will launch daily non-stop services connecting Kolkata and Guangzhou.
This restoration of air connectivity is crucial, as it comes despite the absence of direct flights since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Notably, China remains India’s largest trading partner, and the resumption of flights is expected to enhance business and tourism opportunities significantly.
In a statement released late Friday, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport acknowledged IndiGo’s announcement, its first direct comment on the matter. The airport also expressed intentions to promote further direct routes, including future connections to Delhi.
This development follows a pivotal meeting last month between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. During this meeting, both leaders emphasized their roles as development partners rather than rivals, while addressing the importance of trade amid global uncertainties.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing trade deficit between the two nations, which currently stands at nearly $99.2 billion. He also stressed the need for maintaining peace along their disputed border, a region that has seen military tensions escalate since a deadly clash in 2020.
The resumption of these flights marks a significant step towards normalizing relations and could pave the way for increased diplomatic and economic interactions. Travelers and businesses alike are eagerly awaiting this long-anticipated reconnection.
As this story develops, keep an eye on further announcements from both governments and airlines regarding additional routes and enhancements in connectivity between these two nations.
