Tourexpi
China and India resume direct flights after five-year hiatus
After five years without direct air connections, China
and India have officially resumed flights between the two countries, marking a
significant step toward normalizing bilateral relations.
The first non-stop daily service between Guangzhou and
Kolkata took off on Sunday, operated by IndiGo, India’s largest airline. The
inaugural flight departed from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
(NSCBI) in Kolkata with 176 passengers on board, landing at Guangzhou Baiyun
International Airport in southern China.
According to the Indian government, the move will boost
people-to-people contact, facilitate business travel and tourism, and support
the gradual normalization of exchanges between the two Asian giants.
A second route — Shanghai to New Delhi — is set to
launch on Nov. 9, offering three weekly flights.
A gradual thaw after years of tension
Direct air services between India and China were
suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension was later
extended following the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian
soldiers and an unconfirmed number of Chinese troops were killed in a violent
border confrontation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Relations remained strained for years, with limited
high-level dialogue and restricted travel. However, the October 2024 border
agreement between New Delhi and Beijing eased military tensions and paved the
way for closer economic and civil interactions.
The resumption of direct flights is widely viewed as a
symbol of cautious rapprochement, reflecting both nations’ desire to revive
trade, tourism, and interpersonal ties after years of geopolitical and
pandemic-induced separation.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News
IHG adds Crowne Plaza Budva to its Adriatic portfolio
New signing strengthens Montenegro presence – opening planned for Q1 2026
Read the News
Princess Cruises expands Caribbean & Panama Canal programme for 2027–28
New voyages include calls to Celebration Key™ and the debut of two Sphere-class ships in the region
Read the News
Saudi Arabia and World Economic Forum launch ‘Beyond Tourism’ to drive global transformation
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the World Economic Forum have jointly launched Beyond Tourism, a multi-sector initiative designed to accelerate a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for global travel
Read the News
Hilton again named No. 1 World’s Best Workplace
New study shows strong link between employee wellbeing and guest satisfaction
Read the News
Lufthansa Group launches Accessibility Customer Advisory Committee
The Lufthansa Group has convened the first meeting of its new Accessibility Customer Advisory Committee in Frankfurt
Read the News
UN Tourism and UMusic Hospitality expand global campaign to include music tourism Partnership with d
Partnership with digital creator Khabane Lame aims to boost innovation, investment and job creation through culture and entertainment
Read the News
‘Trusted Thailand’ initiative boosts confidence as visitor numbers rise
Nationwide certification programme reinforces Thailand’s safety standards and readiness to welcome global travellers
Read the News
Agoda unveils Asia’s top destinations for digital nomads
Six inspiring locations where remote work meets culture, creativity, and adventure
Read the News
Toledo to Host UN Tourism’s 126th Executive Council Meeting
Historic Castilian city selected for the June 2026 session – Spain strengthens its global leadership in tourism policy
Read the News
Istanbul to host 11th World Halal Summit and Halal Expo under theme of innovation and excellence
Event to highlight innovation, trade opportunities, and sectoral collaboration in the $7 trillion halal economy
Read the News
WTTC congratulates Shaikha Al Nowais on her appointment as UN Tourism Secretary-General
Council highlights commitment to collaboration under new global leadership
Read the News
TUI adds new direct flights to Kos from Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Stansted
New routes make the Greek island more accessible for travellers across southern England
Read the News
UN Tourism Sets Artificial Intelligence Agenda for the Future of Global Tourism
26th General Assembly in Riyadh concludes with landmark commitments on innovation, AI, and inclusive growth
Read the News
Celebrity Cruises unveils new 2027–2028 voyages across the Caribbean, Asia, and South America
New itineraries feature first-ever dedicated Grand Turk sailings, 52 overnight stays in Asia, and breathtaking journeys through South America and Antarctica
Read the News
DTV Calls for Federal Support to Ensure Safe Christmas Markets and Public Festivals
Following the cancellation of the Magdeburg Christmas Market, the German Tourism Association urges swift solutions and financial assistance
Read the News
Ryanair reminds passengers of switch to fully digital boarding passes starting Wednesday, 12 Novembe
Airline moves to a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience through app-based check-in
Read the News
Labour Force Survey: Tourism Employment Continues to Rise in Spain
3.08 million people employed in tourism between July and September – Permanent contracts up 3.6%, unemployment rate down to 7.5%
Read the News
Solo Travel Soars Across Asia in 2025, Agoda Reports
Searches for single-person stays up 16% as travelers embrace independence and adventure
Read the News
Agoda Reports Strong Growth in Pet-Friendly Travel Across Asia-Pacific
South Korea, Thailand, and India show the highest surge in searches for pet-inclusive stays
Read the News
TAT and VietJet Thailand Launch Green Route to Phu Quoc to Advance Sustainable Tourism
Thailand’s first SAF-powered low-cost carrier flight marks a milestone in clean aviation and ASEAN carbon-reduction efforts
Read the News
Turkey Participates in UN Tourism General Assembly in Saudi Arabia
Global meeting focuses on AI-powered transformation and sustainable development in tourism
