IndiGo Poised to Restart India-China Direct Flights, Awaits Bilateral Approval
IndiGo, India's leading low-cost carrier, has announced its readiness to resume direct flights between India and China, pending bilateral agreements. CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed that the airline is prepared to reinstate daily flights that were operational before the Covid-19 pandemic. The resumption is contingent on governmental approvals from both countries, with industry sources suggesting an official announcement may be imminent. This move could significantly impact business and leisure travel, facilitating easier movement between the two nations and potentially boosting economic and cultural exchanges.

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Interglobe Aviation , operating as IndiGo, India's leading low-cost carrier, has announced its readiness to resume direct flights between India and China, pending bilateral agreements between the two countries. This move could potentially mark the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two nations, which was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Resumption of Pre-Pandemic Routes
CEO Pieter Elbers revealed that IndiGo operated daily flights connecting India and China before the pandemic disrupted international travel. "We are fully prepared to reinstate these services as soon as the bilateral arrangements permit," Elbers stated, highlighting the airline's commitment to re-establishing this important route.
Awaiting Official Green Light
The resumption of flights is contingent on governmental approvals from both countries. Sources close to the matter indicate that airlines have been instructed to prepare for China routes on short notice, suggesting that an official announcement may be imminent. Industry insiders anticipate that the formal declaration could come either this month or early next month.
Implications for Air Travel and Trade
The potential reopening of direct air links between India and China is expected to have significant implications for both business and leisure travel. It would facilitate easier movement for tourists, students, and business professionals between the two countries, potentially boosting economic and cultural exchanges.
IndiGo's Strategic Position
For IndiGo, the resumption of these routes represents an opportunity to strengthen its international network and capitalize on the pent-up demand for direct flights between the two populous nations. As one of India's largest airlines, IndiGo's readiness to serve this route positions it at the forefront of the anticipated travel resurgence between India and China.
As the aviation industry watches closely, the final decision on reopening these routes rests with the respective governments. Travelers and businesses alike are eagerly awaiting further developments, which could signal a significant step towards normalizing air travel in the post-pandemic era.
Historical Stock Returns for Interglobe Aviation
1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
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+0.55% | +2.45% | +1.04% | +42.13% | +42.58% | +426.93% |