Whalesbook
Air India is relaunching non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai from February 1, marking its return to mainland China after nearly six years. This move follows recent diplomatic agreements restoring air links paused in early 2020. Air India is the third airline to offer direct flights between India and China, with IndiGo and China Eastern already operating services. The airline also plans Mumbai-Shanghai flights soon, subject to approvals.
Air India, operated by Tata Group, will commence non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai on February 1, 2024. This resumption marks a significant return to mainland China after a hiatus of almost six years, with the airline having first launched services to China in October 2000.
The reinstatement of these flights is a direct result of recent diplomatic agreements between India and China that re-established air connectivity, which had been suspended since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pause, coupled with subsequent geopolitical tensions, had kept direct flights grounded for years.
Air India plans to operate these flights four times a week using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This development places Air India as the third airline to offer direct services between the two countries. IndiGo had already initiated direct flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou in late October, followed by Delhi to Guangzhou, while China Eastern Airlines launched direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai earlier this month.
Previously, the absence of direct flights led to increased travel costs and longer journey times for passengers, necessitating connecting flights through hubs in Southeast Asia. Industry insiders noted high demand for travel between the two nations, prompting airlines to seek the restart of direct services.
Earlier in October, India's Ministry of External Affairs announced an agreement to allow direct flights between India and China starting from the 2025 winter schedule. This normalization of air connectivity is seen as a positive sign in the India-China relationship, especially during a period when India's ties with the US have faced some challenges. Discussions about resuming flights and easing visa policies have been ongoing between officials from both countries.
Before the pandemic in December 2019, there were 539 scheduled direct flights per month between India and China, with Chinese carriers operating about 70% of them. While Chinese airlines held a dominant share previously, the Indian aviation sector has evolved, with a privatized and ambitious Air India and an expanding IndiGo, suggesting a potentially competitive market ahead.
Impact
This news is likely to positively impact the aviation sector by increasing passenger traffic and revenue for airlines operating these routes. It also signals a thaw in India-China relations, potentially benefiting broader trade and business ties. For Air India, it's a crucial step in expanding its international network. The direct flight resumption can lead to more competitive pricing and convenience for travelers, boosting tourism and business interactions.
Rating: 7/10
Difficult terms explained:
Non-stop flights: Flights that travel directly from the origin to the destination without any intermediate stops.
Diplomatic agreements: Formal understandings or treaties reached between governments of different countries.
Regulatory approvals: Permission or authorization granted by government bodies or authorities required to operate services or conduct business.
Bilateral relationship: The relationship between two countries.
Geopolitical standoff: A situation where two or more countries have a dispute or conflict involving political and strategic interests, often leading to tension.
Hub airports: Major airports that act as central points for passengers and cargo to connect to other destinations.
Airfares: The price of an airline ticket.
Passenger loads: The number of passengers on a flight, often expressed as a percentage of the aircraft's capacity.
Autonomous status: A territory that has a degree of self-governance, as distinct from being fully integrated into a country's administration (like Hong Kong).
Visa regime: The set of rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas to foreign nationals for entry into a country.
