China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s largest state-owned carriers, is set to resume flights between Kunming and Kolkata starting April 18, marking a significant step in enhancing air connectivity between India and China. The six-times-weekly service will operate with both Business and Economy Class cabins, catering to both leisure and business travellers.
The announcement follows the successful relaunch of China Eastern’s Delhi-Shanghai service and is part of the airline’s broader strategy to improve air access between the two nations. By linking Kolkata to Kunming, a major transport hub in southern China, the airline aims to facilitate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, while providing convenient onward connections to key Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Xiamen, Shenzhen, and Xi’an.
Flight Schedule:
- MU555: Departs Kunming at 23:55, arriving in Kolkata at 00:10 the next day on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- MU556 (Return): Departs Kolkata at 01:10, arriving in Kunming at 06:20 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
China Eastern Airlines’ operations in India are supported by its General Sales Agent, InterGlobe Air Transport, which will handle commercial and operational functions, including ticketing, marketing, sales, and customer support.
The airline has also indicated plans to expand its Indian network further, with upcoming routes such as Mumbai-Shanghai, offering passengers greater connectivity to China and international destinations.
The resumption of the Kunming-Kolkata route not only strengthens bilateral travel links but also reflects the growing demand for reliable air connections between India’s eastern regions and China. By connecting Kolkata with one of China’s most dynamic hubs, China Eastern Airlines is positioning itself to support increased business engagement, tourism flows, and cultural exchange in 2026 and beyond.
