IndiGo Restores India–China Flights, Boosts Tourism

IndiGo’s relaunch of the Kolkata–Guangzhou route—timed with India’s reinstatement of tourist visas for Chinese nationals—signals a strategic revival in India–China air connectivity. For travel agents, consolidators, and corporate planners, this offers fresh opportunities in cross-border tourism and business travel.

Reopening Skies: IndiGo Restores India–China Air Link

After more than five years of suspended direct services, India is gearing up for renewed aviation ties with China. On October 26, 2025, IndiGo will resume its Kolkata → Guangzhou non-stop service — the first direct India–China flight since the suspension of bilateral air routes in 2020.

This restoration comes in tandem with India’s reinstatement of tourist visas for Chinese nationals, a move that opens the door for inbound leisure and corporate travel demand.

IndiGo is also planning to expand the China connectivity framework by launching a Delhi → Guangzhou daily route starting November 10, 2025 (pending regulatory approvals).

Why This Matters for B2B Travel Stakeholders

1. A Surge in China → India Inbound Tourism

With the visa channel reopened after a half-decade hiatus, travel demand from China to India is expected to rebound swiftly. Government estimates project over 200,000 Chinese visitor arrivals in FY 2025–26, potentially generating INR 3,000+ crore in tourism revenue.

Travel agents, tour operators, and consolidators should begin curating China-focused India itineraries—cultural circuits, pilgrimage hubs (e.g. Kailash–Manasarovar), and regional offbeat trails will likely see renewed interest.

2. Operational and Cost Efficiency via Low-Cost Connectivity

IndiGo’s use of the A320neo family ensures fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and better yield flexibility on thin but high-potential routes.

One-way fares announced for Kolkata–Guangzhou are projected between RMB 1,300–1,500 (approximately USD 183–211), targeting value-minded travelers.

For agents and consolidators, this opens room for marginable markups and bundled value add-ons (land packages, sightseeing, visa facilitation).

3. Catalyst for Broader India–China Route Expansion

The Kolkata–Guangzhou relaunch is merely the starting point. IndiGo’s roadmap includes Delhi–Guangzhou, and rumors indicate potential future links to other major Chinese metropolises.

This paves the way for more flexible point-to-point offerings and shorter transit times compared to traditional hubs.

4. Strengthening People-to-People & Corporate Connectivity

For corporate travel planners, restored direct services mean:

• Speedier business circuits between Indian and Chinese hubs

• Easier attendance of trade fairs, sourcing visits, and supplier meetings

• Optimized cost structures thanks to more predictable fares and better scheduling
  
  

For travel agents, this is a chance to jointly package flights with visa support, local transfers, curated city tours, and cross-border experiences.

Challenges & Key Considerations

• Regulatory & Slot Constraints: The success of new routes hinges on bilateral air service agreements and obtaining favorable flight slots.

• Demand Uncertainty: While demand from China is promising, sustained yields will depend on volume stability and airline load factors.

• Ancillary Support Infrastructure: Ground handling, visas, foreign exchange support, local partnerships — all need ramping up.

• Market Awareness & Marketing: Demand generation in China needs effective B2B outreach, digital campaigns, Chinese language marketing, and alignment with Chinese OTA platforms.

Strategic Imperatives for B2B Travel Players

• Lock in OTA & Channel Partnerships in China: Collaborate with Chinese online travel agencies and platforms to sell India packages.

• Create Tailored China-India Products: Think inbound India tours, visa-combined packages, multi-city circuits including ASEAN via Guangzhou.

• Negotiate Bulk Seat Blocks Early: Secure blocks before public release to control pricing and ensure margin stability.

• Localize Marketing in China: Invest in Mandarin content, Chinese social media, and partner with Chinese travel agencies.

• Train Staff on China Travel Nuances: Visa processing, Chinese payment systems (WeChat Pay, Alipay), language support, cultural sensitivity.
  
  

Conclusion & Takeaway for Your Business

IndiGo’s resumption of direct Kolkata–Guangzhou flights, aligned with India’s reinstatement of tourist visas for Chinese nationals, marks a pivotal turning point in Indo-China travel relations. For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate travel planners, this is not just a new route—it’s a strategic opening into a revitalized cross-border tourism and business corridor.

By proactively packaging niche products, securing route allocations, partnering on Chinese channels, and building operational readiness, you can be among the first to capture this renaissance of India–China connectivity.

Want more travel updates like this? Follow our updates at blog.agentbazar.in.