Expert: China-India direct flights to further friendship, mutual understanding

India's budget Airline IndiGo announced on Saturday that it will offer a daily direct flight between New Delhi, India's national capital, and Guangzhou starting Nov 10, while flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou will resume on Oct 26. For this, YICC reporters just interviewed Sunil Mishra, honorary secretary-general of the Indian Association of Tour Operators. Here are the Q&As.

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Q1. From the perspective of tourism industry development, what specific impacts will the resumption of direct flights between China and India have on the aviation and tourism markets of both countries?

Ans: The resumption of direct flights will have a very positive impact on both the aviation and tourism sectors. It will reconnect two of the world’s most populous nations, greatly facilitating travel, trade, and tourism. This step will further strengthen people-to-people connections and contribute to deeper friendship and mutual understanding between India and China.

Q2. Among the revised “Air Services Agreement” clauses, which one plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of future direct flights between China and India?

Ans: Before 2020, there were nearly 600 flights per month between the two countries. Therefore, provisions that ensure operational flexibility, ease of permissions, and smooth coordination between civil aviation authorities will be crucial. Such facilitation will help gradually restore and even expand flight frequencies in the future.

Q3. IndiGo took the lead in launching direct flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou. What market factors are behind this route selection?

Ans: Kolkata-Guangzhou is one of the shortest routes between India and China, making it an ideal starting point. Both cities are major commercial hubs with strong economic and cultural ties. Moreover, IndiGo has also announced a second route—Delhi to Guangzhou starting 10 November—which reflects the growing demand. These three cities together play an important role in driving bilateral travel and business.

 

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Q4. In addition to the announced routes, what other direct routes might be added between China and India in the future, and on what basis?

Ans: In the near future, we expect more key cities to be connected for both tourism and business purposes. Potential routes could include Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, and Hainan of China; and Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru of India. These cities are vital centers for trade, culture, and tourism in both countries.

Q5. For the long-term stable operation of direct flights, which areas need further improvement?

Ans: Simplifying procedures, ensuring ease of doing business for airlines, and facilitating visa processes for travelers will be keys. Enhanced policy coordination and mutual support between the two governments will ensure the sustainability of these routes.

Q6. Prime Minister Modi mentioned at the Tianjin Summit that “China-India cooperation is crucial to global economic stability.” Combined with the resumption of direct flights, what signal does this convey, and how does it influence global governance?

Ans: India and China are among the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world. In the evolving global order, stronger cooperation between them will play a vital role in ensuring economic balance and stability. Enhanced people-to-people exchange, tourism, and trade partnerships between the two nations will set a positive example for global cooperation and shared development.

Q7. How do Indian tour operators view the resumption of direct flights? What role will people-to-people exchange play in promoting China-India friendship, and what are your expectations for the future relationship between our two countries?

Ans: Indian tour operators warmly welcome the resumption of direct flights. We firmly believe that closer people-to-people exchanges through tourism, business, and cultural interaction will greatly enhance mutual trust and understanding. As neighbors and major global players, India and China should continue to build stronger, more cordial relations that benefit not only our two countries but also the wider region and the world.

Reporting by Zu Hongbing and Wang Yunya (Mekong News Network, YICC)