IndiGo announces direct link to China
The Statesman | 4 October 2025The flights will be operated using Airbus A320 neo aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The move comes after prolonged discussions between India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and China’s Civil Aviation Administration.
The decision was finalised amid a recent thaw in diplomatic relations between the two countries, officials familiar with the matter said. IndiGo said the expansion is part of its strategy to enhance international operations and tap into the growing demand for travel between India and China. After the Kolkata–Guangzhou launch, the airline is expected to add a Delhi–Guangzhou service in the following weeks. India’s ministry of external affairs (MEA) confirmed the development, saying the resumption of commercial air links after a prolonged gap will help boost people-to-people contact, trade and tourism.
“Direct flights between India and China will not only improve connectivity but also contribute to stronger economic and cultural exchanges,” an MEA spokesperson said. Industry analysts noted that the service could prove significant for business travellers, given Guangzhou’s position as a global manufacturing and trade hub. The route is also expected to benefit students, tourists, and members of the Indian diaspora with ties to southern China.
The China flights are among its most strategically important additions, given the potential passenger base and trade ties between the two countries. Aviation observers said the Kolkata–Guangzhou service could pave the way for more routes in the future, including flights to Beijing and Shanghai, if demand continues to rise.
