A newly reestablished direct flight connection from Calcutta to Guangzhou, China, is witnessing remarkable demand ahead of its launch on October 26. Despite return ticket prices soaring to ₹56,000 on certain days, travelers are actively booking their seats, indicating a significant interest in this route. The introduction of this flight aims to enhance international travel from Calcutta, even as passenger volumes are anticipated to remain below the figures recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic.
IndiGo will provide daily flights on the Calcutta-Guangzhou route starting October 26. Additionally, the airline has announced a new direct service from Calcutta to Siem Reap, Cambodia, set to commence on November 13.
In a testament to the flight’s popularity, bookings opened earlier this month, leading to half of the seats on the inaugural flight being sold within just 24 hours. A travel agent remarked on the surge in demand, noting that fares initially priced at around ₹28,000 have since escalated due to customer interest. A round-trip ticket scheduled for departure on October 28 and returning on November 5 was listed at ₹56,000, yet buyers remain undeterred by the increase.
Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong province in southern China, is positioned on the Pearl River and is roughly 120 km northwest of Hong Kong. Not only does Guangzhou serve as a vital hub for trade, but it also attracts tourists from Calcutta, offering a blend of business and leisure opportunities.
Cantonese cuisine is particularly favored among the people of Calcutta, and the prevalence of English speakers in Guangzhou facilitates easier communication for travelers. Travel agents have pointed out that with current flight gaps to Hong Kong from Calcutta, the new route provides a more efficient and cost-effective travel option, especially since Hong Kong is a short one-hour journey from Guangzhou via high-speed train.
Another element driving demand is the upcoming Canton Fair 2025, a significant trade event that will take place in two phases. The second phase, running from October 23 to 27, will focus on consumer goods, while the third phase, scheduled for October 31 to November 4, will showcase textiles and general consumer products. Local businessman Rajesh Gidwani expressed plans to attend the Canton Fair, emphasizing that the third phase would be advantageous for bulk purchasing.
The Calcutta-Guangzhou flight services were suspended during the pandemic and faced delays in restoration due to geopolitical tensions between India and China. Recently, India’s ministry of external affairs confirmed that direct flights to China are set to resume, a decision welcomed by both travelers and officials.
Pravat Ranjan Beuria, the director of Calcutta airport, expressed optimism that these new flight services to China and Cambodia would certainly uplift international traffic from the city, although they are yet to meet pre-pandemic levels. He also noted the necessity for direct flights to Europe in order to enhance the attractiveness of Calcutta as an international travel hub. Historically, Calcutta had direct routes to European cities such as London and Frankfurt, but these connections have faded due to a lack of business-class demand, despite discussions with airlines to re-establish them.
The renewed international flight options from Calcutta demonstrate a growing interest in global travel and commerce, illuminating a path to recovery and connectivity for the region.