China Eastern Airlines resumed direct flights between Kolkata and Kunming on 19 April 2026, strengthening aviation links between India and China. Following the successful relaunch of its Delhi–Shanghai service last year, this strategic resumption delivers on the airline’s commitment to strengthen air connectivity between the two nations. The flights on this new route will operate six times weekly, featuring both Business and Economy Class cabins.

A lamp lighting ceremony at Kolkata Airport officially inaugurated the event. Mr. Liu Yonghong, General Manager – India, China Eastern Airlines, and Mr. JB Singh, Director, InterGlobe Air Transport, joined Mr. Xu Wei, Consul-General, and Mr. Qin Yong, Deputy Consul-General, from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, along with top officials from the Airports Authority of India and Immigration, to commemorate this landmark route launch.

Flight Schedule (All local times):

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

InterGlobe Air Transport, the airline’s exclusive General Sales Agent in India for over two decades, facilitates this expansion. The company manages all commercial and operational functions, from sales and marketing to ticketing and support, and remains committed to leveraging its extensive network to drive the success of this new strategic route.

The Kunming–Kolkata route holds strategic significance for China Eastern Airlines, facilitating increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two countries. Passengers flying via Kunming benefit from seamless connections within China to major hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Xi’an and more.

Looking ahead, China Eastern Airlines plans to further strengthen its presence in India. The airline has announced plans to introduce new routes, such as Mumbai–Shanghai, in the near future. These initiatives reinforce its commitment to offering Indian travellers broader access to China and beyond.