Talks continue as India and China plan to restart flights from Oct. 26, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• India and China will resume direct flights from October 26, ending a five-year suspension.
• IndiGo will launch a daily Kolkata-Guangzhou service starting October 26.
• Five Chinese carriers have applied to the DGCA for passenger and cargo flights.
• Air India plans to resume flights to Shanghai before the end of the year.

Detailed Insights:

• The resumption of flights coincides with the start of the winter schedule and follows technical-level discussions since early this year.
• Discussions are ongoing to revise the bilateral air service agreement, covering seat capacity and destinations for airlines.
• The government views the resumption of flights as part of a strategy for the gradual normalization of relations with China.
• Besides IndiGo and Air India, Akasa also intends to fly to China, pending regulatory approvals.

Key Concepts Involved:

• DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation): The Indian government body responsible for regulating air transport services.
• Air Service Agreement: A bilateral agreement between countries that defines the terms for international air services.