A new era of connectivity has dawned as direct flights between India and China have officially resumed after a five-year hiatus. The historic takeoff from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport on flight IndiGo 6E1703 marked the significant recommencement of air travel. Carrying 176 passengers, the inaugural flight departed at 10:07 PM, bound for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with an anticipated arrival at 4:05 AM.
The resumption of these flights is a powerful symbol of revitalized trade, enhanced tourism, and strengthened people-to-people connections between the two neighboring Asian giants. Daily non-stop services between Kolkata and Guangzhou are now operational. Furthermore, routes connecting Delhi to Guangzhou will commence on November 10, and services between Delhi and Shanghai are set to resume on November 9, further bolstering bilateral air links.
Officials have lauded the initiative. The Chinese Deputy Consul General in Kolkata described the day as “very important” for India-China relations, noting the resumption signifies a substantial improvement in bilateral ties after a prolonged suspension. This long-awaited development injects fresh momentum into both personal travel and commercial exchanges.
Passengers, airport staff, and airline representatives celebrated the historic departure. This flight’s return is viewed as a direct outcome of recent high-level discussions, fostering practical advancements in diplomatic and economic cooperation. There’s a clear emphasis on deepening collaboration across various global platforms, including BRICS and SCO, and in shared economic interests.
This recommencement is anticipated to significantly boost business opportunities, foster greater tourism, and improve overall connectivity. It reinforces Kolkata’s growing prominence as a key international aviation gateway, signaling not just a return to the skies but a tangible step towards rebuilding trust and enhancing cultural and economic ties between India and China.
