China Eastern Airlines Set to Return to Kolkata After Six-Year Suspension
China Eastern Airlines is poised to make a comeback to Kolkata, marking a significant revival in air connectivity between India and China. The airline has formally applied to resume its daily services on the Kolkata-Kunming route, with operations slated to recommence from April 2026. This move comes exactly six years and one month after the carrier suspended its flights in March 2020, a decision prompted by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Historical Context and Operational Timeline
Sources indicate that China Eastern Airlines is targeting April 19, 2026, for the resumption of flights. The airline last operated from Kolkata on March 19, 2020, bringing an abrupt halt to a route that had been established over a decade earlier. Originally launched on October 30, 2007, China Eastern Airlines was the pioneer in connecting Kolkata directly to Kunming. This sector quickly gained popularity, particularly among businessmen and traders who utilized the service to access Kunming and subsequently other parts of China.
Diplomatic Hurdles and Recent Thaw in Relations
While most international carriers resumed operations post-pandemic, Chinese airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, faced prolonged delays due to strained diplomatic relations between India and China. Tensions escalated following the Galwan Valley military standoff in 2020, creating a frosty environment that hindered aviation links. However, recent efforts to improve trade and diplomatic engagement have paved the way for a thaw in ties.
This improvement was notably underscored when Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit last year. In a positive development, China Eastern Airlines resumed flights between Delhi and Kunming on November 9, 2025. Now, just five months later, the airline is extending its revival to Kolkata, signaling a broader normalization of air travel between the two nations.
Boost for Travel Trade and Business Connectivity
The proposed direct flight between Kolkata and Kunming is expected to provide a substantial boost to the travel industry and business connectivity in eastern India. Anil Punjabi, Chairman (East) of the Travel Agents Federation of India, emphasized that direct air access will make China a more viable destination for Indian leisure and business travelers, who currently rely on multiple connections. This enhanced connectivity is anticipated to streamline travel and foster economic exchanges.
Echoing this sentiment, Anjani Dhanuka of the Travel Agents Association of India highlighted the potential for outbound tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) opportunities. Dhanuka also pointed out the prospect of attracting Chinese tourists, who represent one of the largest traveling communities globally, thereby benefiting inbound tourism as well.
Kolkata's Reconnection with China Post-SCO Summit
Kolkata has already witnessed a gradual reconnection with China following the SCO Summit. On October 26, 2025, IndiGo Airlines launched the Kolkata-Guangzhou flight, becoming the first Indian city to be re-linked with China post-summit. This service has consistently recorded high passenger loads, indicating strong demand for direct routes.
Further expanding this network, IndiGo has announced plans to commence a flight to Shanghai from March 29. Travel agents have welcomed the additional connectivity with Kunming and expressed confidence in achieving good loads on all three flights—Kolkata-Guangzhou, Kolkata-Shanghai, and the upcoming Kolkata-Kunming service.
Efforts to Revive Pre-Pandemic Carriers
Kolkata airport authorities are actively working to attract other carriers that operated to China prior to the pandemic but have not yet returned. Notably, Cathay Pacific and its sister carrier Cathay Dragon previously ran regular flights between Kolkata and Hong Kong until the pandemic caused disruptions. Efforts are underway to encourage their return, which would further enhance the city's international air connectivity.
The resurgence of China Eastern Airlines, coupled with IndiGo's expansions, marks a positive step towards restoring and strengthening air links between India and China, promising benefits for trade, tourism, and bilateral relations.
