After a five-year silence, direct flights between India and China are back in the air, with Kolkata playing host to a momentous inaugural departure. IndiGo flight 6E1703 lifted off from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport last night, signaling a major step forward in bilateral relations. The flight carried 176 passengers destined for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, where it is expected to land at 4:05 AM.
This significant development promises to reinvigorate crucial links for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Daily non-stop flights will now operate between Kolkata and Guangzhou, facilitating easier travel and commerce. Additionally, the Delhi-Guangzhou route is slated to begin on November 10, with Shanghai-Delhi flights following on November 9, expanding the network of direct air services.
A Chinese diplomat present at the ceremony highlighted the importance of this day, stating that the resumption of direct flights marks a “very important” juncture for India-China relations. The extended pause has now given way to renewed enthusiasm for people-to-people interactions and business ventures.
The inaugural flight was marked by a symbolic lamp-lighting ceremony, attended by key officials and passengers. This initiative is being recognized as a tangible result of recent high-level consensus between leaders, underscoring a commitment to translating diplomatic agreements into practical benefits. The focus is on fostering cooperation and strengthening collaborative efforts within regional and global frameworks.
This revival of air services is expected to provide a substantial boost to economic activity and tourism in Kolkata and the eastern region of India. It serves as a critical element in reinforcing the city’s status as an international aviation hub and represents a positive stride in strengthening the bonds between two of Asia’s most influential nations.