NewsGlobalChina Eastern Airlines Resumes Shanghai-Delhi Flights, Boosting India-China Air ConnectivityChina Eastern Airlines Resumes Shanghai-Delhi Flights, Boosting India-China Air Connectivity
China Eastern Airlines is reestablishing direct air links between China and India, starting with flights between Shanghai and Delhi from November 9, 2023. The service will operate three times a week using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This marks the first direct air connection between the two countries since early 2020, following suspensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. The move is part of a broader initiative to restore air connectivity, with IndiGo also restarting its Kolkata-Guangzhou service. The decision follows recent diplomatic efforts and technical-level talks between aviation authorities of both countries. Other airlines, including Air India and Akasa Air, are also planning to enhance India-China connectivity in the near future.
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China Eastern Airlines is set to reestablish direct air links between China and India, marking a significant step in normalizing travel between the two countries after a prolonged suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
Flight Details
China Eastern Airlines will resume direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi starting November 9, 2023. Here are the key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Shanghai - Delhi |
| Frequency | 3 times per week |
| Aircraft | Airbus A330-200 |
| Start Date | November 9, 2023 |
Context and Significance
This resumption of flights is part of a broader initiative to restore air connectivity between India and China:
- IndiGo announced the restart of its Kolkata-Guangzhou service on October 26, 2023.
- These flights represent the first direct air links between India and China since early 2020.
- The suspension of flights was initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued amid tensions over the eastern Ladakh border dispute.
Historical Perspective
China Eastern Airlines has a long-standing presence in the Indian market:
- It began operations in India in 2002.
- It was the first Chinese carrier to offer direct flights between the two countries.
Diplomatic Developments
The resumption of flights follows recent diplomatic efforts:
- India's Ministry of External Affairs announced that direct air services would resume by the end of October 2023.
- This decision came after technical-level talks between aviation authorities of both countries.
Future Plans
Other airlines are also planning to enhance India-China connectivity:
- Air India aims to resume nonstop India-China flights by the end of 2025.
- Delhi-Shanghai is being considered as the first route for Air India's resumption.
- Other Indian carriers, including Akasa Air, are exploring routes to Chinese cities, pending necessary approvals.
This development signifies a positive step towards normalizing travel and potentially improving diplomatic and economic ties between India and China. As more airlines join in reopening routes, it could lead to increased business and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
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