IndiGo starts Kolkata – Shanghai flights
IndiGo starts Kolkata – Shanghai flights — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
IndiGo launched direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai on April 2, 2026, expanding its international network with a new route connecting India and China, according to airline industry reports. The new service, which was announced this week, is expected to boost travel options for passengers in the Asia-Pacific region, including those traveling to and from Phuket.
Route Expansion Amid Asia-Pacific Travel Trends
The Kolkata–Shanghai flights mark IndiGo’s latest move to tap into growing demand for direct connections between major Asian cities. Industry sources noted that the launch aligns with broader trends of rising air travel in the region, despite ongoing challenges for global tourism reported in early April.
The addition of this route comes as air travel demand in Asia is projected to double by 2050, according to recent forecasts cited in regional aviation news.
Implications for Regional Connectivity
The new IndiGo service offers increased connectivity for travelers transiting through Kolkata, which serves as a key hub for flights between South and East Asia. This development is relevant for Phuket-based travelers seeking alternative routes to China, as well as for the broader tourism sector in Thailand and neighboring countries.
Officials highlighted that the expansion of direct flights supports ASEAN tourism resilience, a theme underscored in March industry updates. The move also reflects airlines’ continued efforts to adapt to shifting travel patterns in the post-pandemic landscape.
Source: https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2026/04/indigo-starts-kolkata-shanghai-flights/
