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After 5 years first direct flight to China takes off from Kolkata

Services were halted in 2020 after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and continued due to border tensions

2 min readKolkataUpdated: Oct 27, 2025 02:28 AM IST

Direct flights between Kolkata and China's Guangzhou city will resume on Sunday, with the first one scheduled to take off at 10 pm, an official at the NSCBI airport told PTI. (File image)

After a five-year hiatus, direct air travel between India and mainland China resumed on Sunday with the launch of a daily non-stop service from Kolkata to Guangzhou.

IndiGo operated the inaugural flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI), to Guangzhou, China (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport) carrying 176 passengers. A brief ceremony at the airport included the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by a passenger, a small gesture that airport officials said symbolised renewed ties and cooperation between the two countries.

Dr P. R. Beuria, airport director of NSCBI, said the revived route will do more than move people. He said it will boost business, tourism and cargo links between eastern India and southern China. The Airports Authority of India called the resumption a “milestone” for the nation’s aviation sector.

The Kolkata–Guangzhou service will also offer convenience for travellers who previously had to fly via other cities. IndiGo plans to add a daily Delhi–Guangzhou flight from November 10. China Eastern is set to restart its Shanghai–Delhi service on November 9, and Air India is expected to resume China flights before the end of the year.

“With the cheapest one-way fare from Kolkata to Guangzhou currently available at approximately Rs 11,003 (and a round-trip fare around Rs 24,397), travelers now have a direct and more convenient option. Though historical data suggests April is the most economical month to travel on this route, the main benefit today is the restoration of a vital aerial bridge, marking a truly historic day in recent times,” said an official.

China Eastern Airlines is also preparing to restart its Shanghai-Delhi route on November 9.Air India is also expected to resume its own China flights before the end of the year.

The resumed services mark a step toward rebuilding air connectivity that was severed during the Covid-19 pandemic and later affected by border tensions.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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