As lanterns light up the skies and devotees gather for Navratri, India and the Chinese mainland are reigniting direct air links by month’s end, marking a milestone in people-to-people and economic ties.
This eagerly awaited move caps months of high-level meetings and detailed talks between civil aviation authorities on both sides. The goal: to turn festive cheer into momentum for cross-border trade, tourism and strategic partnerships.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the agreement will facilitate people-to-people contact. Meanwhile, IndiGo will launch a daily Kolkata–Guangzhou flight on October 26, with tickets on sale from October 3. A Delhi–Guangzhou service will follow, using Airbus A320neo jets.
“We’re thrilled to revive aviation ties between the world’s second and fourth largest economies,” said IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, highlighting plans for more routes to the Chinese mainland. Reports also suggest that Air India is set to resume its Delhi–Shanghai service by year-end.
With direct routes back in the air, entrepreneurs, tourists and families can look forward to smoother journeys. Analysts predict a lift for trade volumes and a boon for cultural exchanges as the festive season extends beyond borders.
For young travelers and digital nomads, these flights open doors to new experiences—from savoring Cantonese mooncakes to joining Durga Puja celebrations—bridging vibrant traditions and modern business corridors.
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China-India direct flights boost festive cheer & economic prospects
cgtn.com
