IndiGo has reinstated direct air connectivity with Mainland China and marked a long-haul milestone with its non-stop Mumbai-London service.
October 26 marked a twin milestone for IndiGo, India’s largest airline by passenger volumes and fleet size, as it reinstated direct air connectivity with Mainland China and launched its non-stop long-haul service between Mumbai and London.
The daily non-stop flight between Kolkata and Guangzhou is operated on IndiGo’s A320 aircraft. Guangzhou, a global hub for manufacturing and export logistics, has long been a key destination for Indian exporters, professionals, and business travellers.
The resumption flights between India and China after a five-year hiatus is expected to unlock new opportunities for passenger and cargo movement, supporting small industry and enhancing bilateral engagement.
“We are excited to be the first Indian carrier to resume daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, reinstating one of the most important air links between India and China,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo. “This strategic move will enhance bilateral ties, support MSMEs, and boost tourism, education, and healthcare in both countries.”
IndiGo will further expand its presence in the China corridor with the launch of Delhi-Guangzhou flights from November 10. The Kolkata-Guangzhou service departs daily at 22:00 IST and arrives at 04:05 local time the following day. The return flight leaves Guangzhou at 05:35 and lands in Kolkata at 07:50 IST.
Strengthening Long-Haul Network
On the same day, IndiGo also launched its inaugural non-stop flight between Mumbai and London Heathrow, marking a significant step in its long-haul expansion. The daily service is operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in a dual-class configuration, combining standard Economy with IndiGoStretch, the airline’s tailored business product.
The new route connects two major financial capitals with deep cultural and economic ties, and is expected to serve high volumes of traffic driven by education, tourism, and family visits. Heathrow’s status as one of the world’s busiest airports adds strategic weight to IndiGo’s growing global footprint.
“This route is not just a new destination for us; it’s a bridge between cultures, businesses, and families,” said Elbers. “It marks a defining moment in our journey to become a truly global airline, reaffirming our commitment to connecting India to the world through efficient, consistent, and reliable service.”
The launch follows IndiGo’s recent long-haul additions to Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Manchester, and reflects its broader strategy of expanding across new frontiers. On these routes, the airline offers an upgraded travel experience with complimentary hot meals, curated seatback entertainment, and alcoholic beverages, available for purchase in Economy and complimentary in IndiGoStretch.
The Mumbai-London service departs daily at 14:45 IST and arrives at 19:20 local time. The return flight leaves Heathrow at 21:30 and lands in Mumbai at 11:45 the following day. Passengers travelling from London gain direct access to IndiGo’s domestic network of over 90 destinations, while Indian travellers can connect onward via the airline’s codeshare partnerships.