Direct Flights Resuming: India-China Connectivity Reborn
After a hiatus of five years, direct flights between India and China are poised to resume, marking a significant development in the aviation sector of both countries. The announcement comes as the Ministry of External Affairs in India confirmed that direct flights could commence by the end of October. IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is leading this revival by launching daily flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, with plans to extend services to Delhi soon.
The suspension of direct flights between India and China began in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This disruption was further complicated by the strained bilateral relationship following the standoff in Eastern Ladakh. As a result, despite the restoration of global air travel, flights between the two countries remained suspended. The lack of direct connectivity not only increased airfare but also extended travel times for passengers, who had to rely on connecting flights through Southeast Asian hubs.
Industry insiders have indicated a significant demand for travel between India and China, prompting airlines from both nations to seek the resumption of direct flights. IndiGo has expressed its commitment to enhancing air connectivity, stating that its Airbus A320neo aircraft will facilitate these flights. The airline's CEO, Pieter Elbers, emphasized the importance of this move in strengthening international networks and boosting tourism and trade.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that both countries have agreed to resume direct air services, adhering to commercial decisions from designated carriers and operational criteria. This development aligns with India's broader strategy to normalize relations with China, as evidenced by recent discussions between foreign ministers of both nations regarding visa facilitation and direct flights.
Prior to the pandemic, there were 539 scheduled direct flights each month between India and China, with Indian carriers accounting for about 31% of these flights. With the anticipated resumption of services, both IndiGo and Air India are well-positioned to reclaim their market share and establish a robust international presence.
The normalization of air connectivity is expected to bring mutual benefits, enhancing opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges. As both countries strive to improve their bilateral relationship, the reestablishment of direct flight services is a crucial step towards fostering closer ties and revitalizing passenger traffic, which has significantly declined since 2019.
