IndiGo and Chinese Carriers Resume Direct India-China Flights After Years of Suspension
Air connectivity restoration marks warming bilateral ties and aims to revitalize economic cooperation between the two nations
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- IndiGo and Chinese carriers have resumed direct flight services between India and China, including Delhi-Guangzhou and Beijing-Delhi routes.
- This marks the restoration of air connectivity after years of suspension, following improved bilateral ties since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's SCO visit to Tianjin last year.
- Air China will operate Beijing-Delhi flights three times weekly, while China Eastern has already resumed Kunming-Kolkata and New Delhi-Shanghai routes.
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Air services between India and China were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained disrupted due to bilateral tensions following the 2020 border standoff in Galwan Valley. The restoration of flights follows PM Modi's attendance at the SCO summit in Tianjin last year, which marked a diplomatic thaw.
An IndiGo flight from Delhi successfully reached Guangzhou on Tuesday, marking the resumption of direct flight services between India and China by the airline. The arrival of the flight in China signifies the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two nations by the carrier.
Following the resumption of these services, the Delhi-Guangzhou route is expected to facilitate easier travel for passengers. This development occurs amid warming bilateral relations between the two neighbours.
Parallel to IndiGo's expansion, Air China has resumed Beijing-Delhi flight services, providing a major boost to air connectivity. According to a report by the Global Times, the Air China service will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Economy class fares start from approximately USD 523 (3,570 yuan), with flights departing Beijing at 3:15 pm and arriving in Delhi at 8:20 pm local time.
The restoration of these key routes follows a notable improvement in bilateral ties since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin last year. This diplomatic thaw has paved the way for increased commercial engagement, particularly in the aviation sector.
Reflecting this momentum, China Eastern Airlines resumed its direct flight between Kunming and Kolkata last month. The carrier had earlier reinstated direct flights between New Delhi and Shanghai in November last year, marking a steady return to pre-pandemic connectivity levels.
Similarly, Indian airlines have undertaken corresponding measures to meet rising demand. IndiGo resumed daily direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai from 29 March, further strengthening the network. Prior to this, the airline had successfully reinstated the Kolkata-Guangzhou route and launched its new service on the Delhi-Guangzhou route.
These milestones highlight the concerted efforts by both nations to revitalise air travel and economic cooperation.
Açık Sorular
- What is the exact fare structure for IndiGo on the Delhi-Guangzhou route?
- How many weekly flights will IndiGo operate on the restored routes?
- What is the passenger load factor on these newly resumed routes?
