The revival of the Kolkata–China flight route has sparked fresh optimism at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, as authorities and airlines gear up to restore more international services that were suspended over the past few years.
China Flights Resume After Five Years
The recent resumption of direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou by IndiGo marks the city’s first air connection to China in five years. The service is expected to strengthen trade, business, and tourism links between eastern India and southern China.
Airport officials said that the response to the Guangzhou route has been positive, indicating a steady recovery in passenger demand for East and Southeast Asian destinations.
Push for More International Connections
Following the successful restart of the China route, the airport authorities are now focusing on reviving several other international links. Routes under consideration include flights to Kunming in China, Dubai and Doha in the Middle East, and Istanbul in Turkey.
Additionally, the airport is in talks with airlines to increase services to neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Cambodia. Flights to Kathmandu, Dhaka, and Siem Reap are expected to resume or expand in the coming months.
Kolkata’s Growing Importance in Eastern India
Kolkata Airport serves as the primary gateway to eastern and northeastern India, as well as nearby nations. Aviation experts believe the return of more international operations will help re-establish the city as a major hub for the region.
The airport’s infrastructure and passenger-handling capacity have improved significantly in recent years, and it continues to rank among the top Indian airports in global service quality assessments.
Airlines and Travellers Benefit
For airlines, operating from Kolkata offers access to a large catchment area, including business travelers from Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and the Northeast. For passengers, the expansion means shorter travel times, better connectivity, and potentially more competitive fares.
Tour operators in Kolkata have also welcomed the developments, saying the renewed links could revive inbound tourism and attract foreign visitors to eastern India.
What Lies Ahead
With the China route already operational, discussions are underway for new destinations and increased frequency on existing ones. The airport authorities expect a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels of international connectivity by mid-2026, provided airlines continue to respond to growing passenger demand.
In the coming months, Kolkata Airport is expected to announce additional routes and schedules, marking a strong step in the city’s bid to reclaim its position as a key international aviation hub in eastern India