China Eastern Airlines has resumed its direct flights between Kolkata and Kunming, enhancing air connectivity between India and China. The service, which began on 19 April 2026, operates six times a week, offering both Business and Economy Class options. This move follows the successful relaunch of the airline's Delhi–Shanghai service last year, furthering its commitment to strengthen ties between the two nations.
The inaugural ceremony at Kolkata Airport featured a lamp lighting event attended by Liu Yonghong, General Manager for India at China Eastern Airlines, and JB Singh, Director of InterGlobe Air Transport. They were joined by Xu Wei, Consul-General, and Qin Yong, Deputy Consul-General, from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, alongside officials from the Airports Authority of India.
The flight schedule includes:
- Kolkata to Kunming: Flight MU556 departs at 01:10, arriving at 06:20, operating every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Kunming to Kolkata: Flight MU555 departs at 23:55, arriving at 00:10 the following day, operating every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
InterGlobe Air Transport, the airline's exclusive General Sales Agent in India, facilitates this expansion by managing commercial and operational functions. The Kunming–Kolkata route is strategically significant, promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Passengers can connect seamlessly to major Chinese hubs such as Shanghai and Beijing Daxing.
Looking forward, China Eastern Airlines plans to expand its presence in India with new routes, including Mumbai–Shanghai, offering Indian travellers greater access to China and beyond
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