首个航班已降落广州 时隔5年中印正式恢复直航

Core Points - The resumption of direct flights between mainland China and India marks a significant development after a five-year hiatus, enhancing travel convenience for over 2.8 billion people in both countries [1][5] - Indigo Airlines, the largest airline in India by market share, is the first to operate the resumed flights, significantly reducing travel time compared to previous routes that required layovers [1][2] - The Indian business community has welcomed the restoration of direct flights, anticipating benefits for trade and commerce, particularly with the ongoing China Import and Export Fair [3] Summary by Sections Resumption of Direct Flights - The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced on October 2 that a consensus had been reached to restore direct flights by the winter schedule of 2025, with Indigo Airlines confirming the launch of flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, 2025 [2] - Indigo Airlines, established in 2006, holds over 60% of the domestic market share in India and operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft, connecting more than 90 domestic and 40 international destinations [2] Benefits for Trade and Commerce - The direct flight route is expected to reduce logistics and transit times, benefiting trade activities, especially for Indian merchants attending the China Import and Export Fair [3] - Prior to the pandemic, there were over 500 direct flights monthly between China and India, which were suspended in March 2020 due to COVID-19 [4] Historical Context and Future Developments - Following the pandemic, the restoration of direct flights has been a gradual process, with significant diplomatic discussions leading to the current agreement [4] - Additional routes are being planned, including a second direct flight from Delhi to Guangzhou starting November 10, 2025, and China Eastern Airlines is set to resume flights from Shanghai to Delhi on November 9, 2025 [4] Economic Impact - The gradual restoration of travel and visa applications is expected to further enhance Sino-Indian economic relations, with China maintaining its position as India's largest trading partner [5] - The bilateral trade volume for 2024 is projected to reach $138.478 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.7% [5]