### Resumption of Direct Flights Between China and India: A Milestone in Bilateral Relations After a five-year hiatus, direct flights between China and India have resumed, marking a significant step towards normalizing relations between the two nations. The first flight, operated by IndiGo, took off from Kolkata and landed in Guangzhou, carrying approximately 180 passengers. This resumption is seen as a crucial move to enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections between the world's two most populous countries, which had previously suspended flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing border tensions [http://island.lk/china-and-india-resume-direct-flights-after-five-year-hiatus][https://internationalnewsandviews.com/india-china-direct-flights-resume-2025-390309-2]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of Flight Resumption** - Direct flights were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. - The resumption is viewed as a diplomatic thaw and a step towards rebuilding trust between India and China. 2. **Details of the Inaugural Flight** - IndiGo flight 6E1703 departed from Kolkata at approximately 10 PM IST and landed in Guangzhou at around 4 AM local time. - The flight is part of a daily service, with plans for additional routes, including a Delhi-Guangzhou flight starting November 10 [https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-china-flights-resume-after-five-years-indigo-reconnects-kolkata-and-guangzhou-13945315.html][https://telanganatoday.com/indigo-resumes-kolkata-guangzhou-direct-flights-after-five-year-gap]. 3. **Significance of the Resumption** - The resumption of flights is expected to boost trade and tourism, facilitating easier travel for business and leisure. - It symbolizes a warming of relations, with both governments expressing optimism about future cooperation [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/direct-flights-from-kolkata-to-chinas-guangzhou-resume-after-nearly-5-years-101761504139435.html][https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/indo-china-flights-resume-after-5-years/article70207249.ece]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Flight Operations**: The inaugural IndiGo flight was the first direct service in five years, indicating a significant operational milestone for both airlines and travelers. - **Passenger Capacity**: The flight carried around 180 passengers, showcasing demand for direct connectivity between the two nations. - **Future Plans**: IndiGo plans to expand its services with additional routes, enhancing connectivity further [https://www.siasat.com/indigo-resumes-kolkata-guangzhou-direct-flights-3287952][https://www.altexsoft.com/travel-industry-news/indigo-launches-first-india-china-flight-after-5-years]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in India-China Relations The resumption of direct flights between India and China is a **significant development** in the context of bilateral relations, reflecting a mutual desire to improve ties after years of tension. 1. **Historical Context**: Flights were suspended due to the pandemic and geopolitical issues. 2. **Operational Milestone**: The first flight marks a return to direct connectivity, with plans for more routes. 3. **Future Outlook**: Enhanced air travel is expected to foster economic ties and cultural exchanges, paving the way for a more collaborative relationship between the two nations [https://www.republicworld.com/india/india-and-china-reconnect-indigo-kolkata-guangzhou-flight-takes-off-after-5-year-gap][https://www.world-today-news.com/india-china-resume-direct-flights-after-five-year-hiatus].