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Air China Resumes Beijing-Delhi Flights as India-China Air Links Expand

Air China is resuming its direct Beijing-Delhi service three times weekly, marking the second route restart by a Chinese carrier to India this month. This follows China Eastern Airlines' recent resumption of flights between Kunming and Kolkata. Indian carrier IndiGo has also expanded its China network, launching new direct services like Kolkata-Shanghai and Delhi-Guangzhou. The expanded air connectivity comes after years of suspended flights and follows recent Indian government policy changes aimed at facilitating foreign investment from neighboring countries.

Key Points: Air China Resumes Beijing-Delhi Flights, Boosting India-China Links

  • Air China resumes Beijing-Delhi route
  • China Eastern restarted Kunming-Kolkata flights
  • IndiGo launched Kolkata-Shanghai service
  • FDI policy changes aim to ease investment from border nations
3 min read

Air China to resume Beijing-Delhi flights as India-China air connectivity expands

Air China restarts direct Beijing-Delhi service, marking expanding air connectivity between India and China with multiple airlines resuming routes.

"This was the carrier's latest expansion of its China-India route network - Global Times"

Beijing, April 21

Direct air connectivity between India and China is set to improve further as Air China resumes its Beijing-Delhi service, according to a news report by Global Times.

The airline will restart its direct route between Beijing and Delhi from Tuesday, marking the second route to India to resume by Chinese carriers this month.

As per information cited by the Global Times, the service will operate three times a week (on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), using an Airbus 330 aircraft. Economy class fares are expected to start from 3,570 yuan (USD 523), with departures scheduled at 3:15 pm and arrivals in Delhi at 8:20 pm (local time).

The move follows the recent resumption of flights by China Eastern Airlines, which restarted its direct service between Kunming and Kolkata on April 18.

"This was the carrier's latest expansion of its China-India route network following the resumption of the Shanghai-Delhi route in November 2025," the news report noted.

China Eastern Airlines added that the Kunming-Kolkata route, operating six weekly round-trip flights with Boeing 737 aircraft, is expected to enhance convenience for travel and cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier on March 30, IndiGo commenced its inaugural daily, nonstop service between Kolkata and Shanghai, marking another significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between India and the People's Republic of China.

The launch built on IndiGo's recent expansion in China, including the successful reinstatement of flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou and the subsequent start of operations from Delhi. The service is being operated using IndiGo's state-of-the-art A320neo aircraft, offering customers a comfortable and fuel-efficient flying experience, an official statement said.

Previously, IndiGo announced the launch of its daily direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, China, starting November 10, 2025. The route is operated using IndiGo's Airbus A320 aircraft.

The announcement followed the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) confirmation of the resumption of direct flights between India and China, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Doklam standoff.

Earlier in March, after 6 years of friction, in a significant decision, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved changes in guidelines on investments from countries sharing land border with India (LBCs), including China.

An official release said that the Cabinet approved changes in FDI policy to provide for a definitive timeline for investments in critical sectors requiring approval under PN3 (Press Note 3).

It said the amendments in the FDI Policy aim to unlock greater FDI inflows from global funds for startups and deep techs, and take forward the agenda of ease of doing business.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Direct flights are convenient, but I hope this expansion in connectivity is matched by progress on resolving our border issues. We can't have normal relations until the LAC is peaceful and stable.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Was so difficult to travel during the pandemic and after. This will help families reunite and boost tourism. Kolkata to Kunming is a smart route too.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently between Delhi and Shanghai for work, this is a huge relief. The layovers in Hong Kong or Bangkok added hours to the journey. Welcome back, direct flights!
V
Vikram M
Good step economically, but we must remain vigilant. The FDI policy changes and flight resumptions should not make us complacent about national security. Engagement yes, but with clear eyes.
K
Kavya N
Excited for the tourism potential! Maybe more Chinese tourists will visit India now, and vice versa. Our cultures are so ancient and fascinating. Hope they promote packages for Agra, Varanasi, and Goa!
M
Michael C
The article mentions the Doklam standoff as a reason for the earlier suspension. It's a positive diplomatic signal that both sides are moving past that, even if slowly. Cautious optimism is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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