Following the recent diplomatic initiatives, IndiGo on Thursday said that it will restart services to mainland China with the launch of daily, non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou from October 26. The airline will deploy its Airbus A320neo aircraft on the route.
New routes and future expansion plans
Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo also plans to introduce direct services between Delhi and Guangzhou in the near future.
The resumption of flights marks IndiGo’s return to China after a gap of more than five years. The airline had operated flights on this sector before the pandemic and said its past experience and existing partnerships will help ensure a smooth restart.
Boosting bilateral ties and cross-border commerce
“This move re-establishes avenues for cross-border trade and strategic business partnerships while also promoting tourism between the two nations,” IndiGo said in a statement.
Pieter Elbers, chief executive officer of IndiGo, said, “This will once again allow seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas, while also strengthening bilateral ties between the two of the world’s most populous countries and fast-growing economies”.
Bookings for the Kolkata–Guangzhou flights will open from October 3 on the airline’s website and mobile app.