Wings of Reconnection: India-China Direct Flights Return After 5-Year Silence, Kolkata Witnesses Historic Takeoff | World News

India-China Direct Flights: Kolkata witnessed a historic evening as India and China reconnected after a gap of five years with the resumption of direct flights. IndiGo flight 6E1703 took off from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 22:07, marking a turning point in bilateral relations. The plane, carrying 176 passengers, is expected to go to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and arrive at 04.05 in the morning.

The airport director shared a video of the takeoff capturing the moment that signals renewed trade, tourism and people-to-people connections between the two countries. Daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou will begin immediately. Flights from Delhi to Guangzhou will start on November 10, while flights between Shanghai and Delhi will resume on November 9.

China’s Vice Consul General in Kolkata, Qin Yong, described the day as “very important” for India-China relations. He said the resumption of direct flights after a five-year suspension represents a significant improvement in bilateral relations. This moment has been long awaited and now gives renewed impetus to people and business.

The lighting of the ceremonial lights at the airport marked the first takeoff. Passengers, airport officials and airline representatives gathered to celebrate the occasion. The vice consul general described the return of the flight as the “first fruit” of the high-level consensus reached recently between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He emphasized that the leaders’ meetings paved the way for practical results such as the return of these flights.

Qin emphasized the role of India and China as regional leaders, underlining cooperation rather than competition. He called on both countries to deepen cooperation in global trade as members of BRICS, SCO and the Global South.

Airport Manager Dr. PR Beuria welcomed the initiative and said it was a “great moment” for Kolkata and the eastern region of India. He highlighted the government’s role in facilitating the route and confirmed that IndiGo was the first airline to operate the service. The direct flight is expected to boost business, tourism and connectivity and strengthen Kolkata’s growing reputation as an international aviation hub.

This flight signals much more than a return to the skies. This reflects a careful rebuilding of trust, the promise of improved trade and a concrete step forward in people-to-people relations between Asia’s two largest countries.