After a five-year gap, direct flight services between India and China have been revived, with Kolkata witnessing a landmark departure. IndiGo flight 6E1703 took to the skies from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 10:07 PM, marking a significant reconnection. The flight, carrying 176 passengers, is en route to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with an estimated arrival time of 4:05 AM.
The recommencement of this vital air route is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, encourage tourism, and strengthen people-to-people engagement. Daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou are now in operation. Additionally, services from Delhi to Guangzhou will commence on November 10, and the Delhi-Shanghai route is set to resume on November 9, expanding the network of direct flights.
This occasion has been met with considerable enthusiasm. The Chinese Deputy Consul General in Kolkata highlighted the “very important” significance of this day for India-China relations, noting that the return of direct flights signifies a substantial positive shift after a prolonged period of suspension. The restart is anticipated to bring renewed momentum to both personal and commercial travel.
A special lamp-lighting ceremony was held to mark the inaugural flight, attended by passengers and aviation stakeholders. This tangible outcome is viewed as a direct result of recent high-level agreements, paving the way for practical cooperation. The focus remains on deepening collaboration in trade and within international organizations.
This revived air link is projected to catalyze business growth and boost tourism in Kolkata and eastern India, solidifying its role as an important international aviation hub. This relaunch signifies a crucial step in rebuilding confidence, fostering economic ties, and enhancing the human connections between these two major Asian countries.