Strengthening aviation links between India and China, China Eastern Airlines resumed its direct flights between Kolkata and Kunming on April 19. Following the successful relaunch of its Delhi–Shanghai service last year, this strategic resumption delivers on the airline’s commitment to strengthen the air connectivity between the two nations. The flights on this new route will operate six times weekly, featuring both Business and Economy Class cabins.
The inaugural event was marked with a lamp-lighting ceremony at Kolkata Airport. Liu Yonghong, General Manager – India, China Eastern Airlines, and JB Singh, Director, InterGlobe Air Transport, were joined by Xu Wei, Consul-General, and Qin Yong, Deputy Consul-General, from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, alongside top officials from the Airports Authority of India and Immigration, to commemorate the launch of the landmark route.
Facilitating this expansion is InterGlobe Air Transport, the airline’s exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) in India for over two decades. Managing all commercial and operational functions, from sales and marketing to ticketing and support, InterGlobe Air Transport remains committed to leveraging its extensive network to drive the success of this new strategic route. The Kunming–Kolkata route holds strategic significance for China Eastern Airlines, facilitating increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two countries. Passengers flying via Kunming benefit from seamless connections within China to major hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Xi’an and more.
Looking ahead, China Eastern Airlines plans to further strengthen its presence in India, with upcoming routes such as Mumbai–Shanghai, reinforcing its commitment to offering Indian travellers broader access to China and beyond.