“The resumption of this service marks the full restoration of China Eastern Airlines’ network in India, providing fresh momentum for people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade collaboration,” China Eastern Airlines said in a statement.
The announcement follows IndiGo’s confirmation that it will restart its Kolkata–Guangzhou service on October 26, effectively reopening direct air links between India and China for the first time since early 2020.
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Direct commercial flights between the two countries were suspended at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pause continued amid heightened tensions over the eastern Ladakh border dispute.
China Eastern’s return signals a renewal of its longstanding presence in India. The airline first began operations in the Indian market in 2002, becoming the first Chinese carrier to offer direct flights between the two nations. Earlier this month, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that direct air services between the two countries would resume by the end of October, following sustained technical-level talks between aviation authorities aimed at normalising bilateral relations.
The restoration of routes by both carriers is expected to boost business travel, tourism and cultural exchanges between India and China, which have seen limited contact since the pandemic began.
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In addition to China Eastern’s plans, some Indian carriers have announced their steps toward renewed China service. Air India is expected to resume nonstop flights between India and China by the end of 2025, with Delhi-Shanghai being considered as its first route.
Analysts suggest that other Indian carriers including Akasa Air are exploring routes to Chinese cities, pending approvals and demand.
