Mumbai: Chinese carriers are planning to add more flights and routes to India on the back of over 60% growth in traffic in last four years.
Three carriers from the mainland- Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines fly to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata.
Air India flies to Shanghai and SpiceJet recently launched Delhi-Guangzhou flights.
Till a few years ago there were no direct flights between two countries and passengers travelling to China had to connect via Bangkok or Hong Kong but since 2009, Chinese airlines have been spreading their wings in India.
According to International Air Transport Association data, traffic between India and China rose from 4,10,000 in 2009 to 6,70,000 in 2012, an increase of 63%. This includes passengers who flew direct or with one stop. About 65% of traffic comprises of corporate and business travellers.
28/03/13 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard
