IndiGo to Resume Daily Flights to Guangzhou from Oct 26, Expand China Connectivity

After more than 5years without direct flights, IndiGo has announced the return of services to China, starting with a daily non-stop route between Kolkata and Guangzhou from 26 October 2025. The carrier has also lined up a Delhi–Guangzhou connection, subject to regulatory approvals, further deepening its international network.

Flight Operations and Network Plans

Tickets for the new service will be available from 3 October via IndiGo’s website and mobile app. The airline will operate the route using its Airbus A320neo fleet, with an emphasis on offering both business and leisure travellers faster access to one of China’s key commercial hubs. The airline said its prior operations on this sector, combined with existing local partnerships, will help it restart the route smoothly and at scale.

Strategic Significance and CEO Statement

The relaunch comes at a time when India and China are cautiously re-engaging. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said:

“We are delighted to announce the resumption of daily, non-stop flights between India and mainland China. We are proud to be among the first to resume direct connectivity to China from two points in India. 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. With this very important step, we are looking at introducing more direct flights into China. As we take steady strides towards becoming a global aviation player, this is a significant move to strengthen our international network.”

Diplomatic Context and Trade Links

The development follows the Ministry of External Affairs’ recent confirmation that direct flights between the two countries would restart this month. Air travel had been suspended since 2020, despite China being India’s largest bilateral trade partner. The announcement also coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China, his first in seven years, during which he and President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen trade ties. Modi raised concerns about the $99.2 Bn trade deficit while emphasising the need to maintain stability along the disputed border, which has remained tense since a 2020 clash triggered a five-year standoff.

Read More: India Sees $2.3 Billion Outflows as GEM Funds Cut Allocation to 16.7%, China Rises to 28.8%.

Conclusion

With the resumption of daily services to Guangzhou, IndiGo has become one of the first Indian carriers to reconnect directly with mainland China. The move is not only expected to revive cross-border trade, tourism, and business partnerships but also marks an important milestone in the broader diplomatic thaw between the two Asian giants.

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