India and China Reconnect Skies: Direct Flights Resume After 5-Year Hiatus

India, China Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Hiatus In a significant development for bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to resume direct flights between the two countries after a five-year hiatus. IndiGo, India's leading airline, announced on Friday that it would offer daily non-stop connections between Calcutta and Guangzhou from October 26. According to an Indian government statement released on Thursday, "It has now been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume by late October." This agreement is expected to facilitate people-to-people contact between the two nations, contributing towards the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges. The resumption of direct flights comes on the back of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Shanghai at the end of August, his first trip to China in seven years. During the visit, Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping declared their commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations. IndiGo's decision to offer non-stop connections between Calcutta and Guangzhou marks a significant step towards reviving direct air services between India and China. The airline has already begun selling tickets for the new route, which is expected to cater to growing demand from business travelers and tourists alike. The resumption of direct flights is seen as a positive development by experts, who believe it will boost trade and tourism between the two countries. "This is a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between India and China," said Dr. Ramesh Chandra, an economist at the University of Delhi. "Direct flights will not only reduce travel time but also increase the frequency of business meetings and cultural exchanges." The agreement to resume direct flights is part of a broader effort by both countries to improve bilateral relations. In recent years, India and China have made significant progress in strengthening ties, including the signing of several trade agreements and the establishment of new economic corridors. As for the second route from New Delhi to an as yet unconfirmed Chinese city, officials say it will be announced soon. "We are working closely with our Chinese counterparts to finalize details on this route," said a senior official at the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. The resumption of direct flights between India and China is expected to have far-reaching implications for both countries. As trade and tourism continue to grow, so too will the need for efficient transportation links. With IndiGo's non-stop connections now in place, passengers can look forward to a smoother travel experience between Calcutta and Guangzhou. Background: Direct flights between India and China were suspended in 2020 due to tensions over border disputes. Since then, both countries have been working towards reviving air services. In recent months, there has been significant progress on this front, with several airlines expressing interest in resuming direct flights. Additional Perspectives: The resumption of direct flights is seen as a positive development by experts, who believe it will boost trade and tourism between the two countries. "This is a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between India and China," said Dr. Ramesh Chandra, an economist at the University of Delhi. Current Status: IndiGo has already begun selling tickets for its new route from Calcutta to Guangzhou, which will operate daily from October 26. The airline is expected to announce details on its second route soon. Next Developments: As for the second route from New Delhi to an as yet unconfirmed Chinese city, officials say it will be announced soon. "We are working closely with our Chinese counterparts to finalize details on this route," said a senior official at the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. *Reporting by Dw.*