Kolkata: The direct air link between India and China was restored today after a five-year gap with an IndiGo Airlines’ non-stop flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou departing at 10 pm, officials said.
The flight was the first from any Indian city to China since 2020, ending the halt in air connectivity that began due to the Covid-19 pandemic and border tensions.
The flight will operate daily, an Indigo spokesperson said.
Hours before the flight’s departure from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI), passengers and airport authorities marked the occasion with a brief ceremony. One of the Chinese passengers lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolising renewed friendship and cooperation.
The event was graced by NSCBI Airport Director Dr. P.R. Beuria, along with officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and IndiGo Airlines.
Dr. Beuria stated that the revival of this direct, daily route would not only strengthen business and tourism ties but also provide greater convenience to passengers traveling between the two major cities.
The restoration of the aviation connectivity between India and China follows a series of diplomatic engagements, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China for the SCO meet, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two discussed strategies to enhance trade ties amidst global economic uncertainties, setting the stage for renewed air connectivity.
The same day also witnessed the private airliner resume its one-stop flight between Kolkata’s NSCBI Airport and London, UK (initially stopping in Mumbai).
IndiGo will also start a direct daily flight between New Delhi and Guangzhou from November 9 next month.
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is a major port city north-west of Hong Kong on Pearl River. It is renowned for hosting the massive Canton Fair and is home to a vast network of wholesale markets and shopping malls that cater to both domestic and international businesses.
As a global trade hub, Guangzhou’s connection with Kolkata is expected to significantly boost trade and tourism, not just for Kolkata and West Bengal, but for the entire region as Kolkata is a gateway for 11 states, including the entire landlocked northern states of the country.
The Kolkata-Guangzhou direct flight will be operated on IndiGo’s state-of-the-art Airbus A320 neo aircraft, departing Kolkata at 10 pm and reaching Guangzhou at 4:05 am local time. The return flight will take off from Guangzhou at 5:35 am local time and arrive in Kolkata the same day. UNI
