China Eastern Airlines Resumes Direct Flights Between Kolkata and Kunming

By in Chennai News

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

The inaugural event was formally marked with a lamp lighting ceremony at Kolkata Airport. Mr. Liu Yonghong, General Manager – India, China Eastern Airlines, and Mr. JB Singh, Director, InterGlobe Air Transport, were joined by 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, alongside top officials from the Airports Authority of India and Immigration, to commemorate the launch of the landmark route.

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 at 00:10 the following day. Operates every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Facilitating this expansion is InterGlobe Air Transport, the airline’s exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) in India for over two decades. Managing all commercial and operational functions, from sales and marketing to ticketing and support, InterGlobe Air Transport 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 movement, tourism flows, 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, with upcoming routes such as Mumbai–Shanghai, reinforcing its commitment to offering Indian travellers broader access to China and beyond.