To mark the successful resumption of direct flights between Kolkata and Kunming earlier this year on 18 April 2026, China Eastern Airlines and its exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) in India, InterGlobe Air Transport, jointly hosted an exclusive gathering for the travel trade fraternity in Kolkata on 29 May 2026.

The celebratory event brought together key industry stakeholders, travel partners, and prominent dignitaries to mark the strategic relaunch of this critical route and discuss new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The evening was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Qin Yong, Deputy Consul General, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata; Mr. Liu Yonghong, General Manager – India, China Eastern Airlines, senior leaders from InterGlobe Air Transport, along with other dignitaries.

The Kunming–Kolkata sector is a key component of China Eastern’s growth strategy in India, aimed at accelerating bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Utilizing the Kunming (KMG) hub, passengers from Eastern India gain seamless, one-stop connectivity to major Chinese economic centres, including Shanghai, Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Xiamen, Shenzhen, and Xi’an. In addition, it provides convenient one-stop connections to major international cities such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore, and key destinations across Vietnam and beyond, enhancing overall global accessibility.

Driving this commercial expansion is InterGlobe Air Transport, which has served as the airline’s exclusive GSA in India for over two decades. The company continues to manage all commercial and operational function, ranging from sales and marketing to ticketing and local support— leveraging its extensive domestic network to ensure the sustained success of this strategic route.

Flight Schedule (All local times):

• Kolkata (CCU) to Kunming (KMG): Flight MU556 departs at 01:10 and arrives at 06:20, operating every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Kunming (KMG) to Kolkata (CCU): Flight MU555 departs at 23:55 and arrives at 00:10 the following day, operating every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Looking ahead, China Eastern Airlines plans to further aggressively expand its footprint in the Indian market. The carrier revealed upcoming plans to introduce a Mumbai–Shanghai route, reinforcing its long-term commitment to providing Indian travellers and the travel trade with enhanced access to China and beyond.