Xiamen Airlines keen to operate flights to Kolkata

The Indian city of Kolkata might see Xiamen Airlines flights in future if the carrier’s plans fructify. Xiamen Airlines along with three other international carriers are currently negotiating with the Indian civil aviation ministry to begin flight operations to Kolkata sometime next year.

The other three carriers, which have also applied for additional traffic rights to more destinations in India, include Turkish Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and FlyDubai.

Earlier, Malaysia Airlines operated flights to Kolkata for one year in 2005-06. The airline, however, stopped its services because of its route restructuring program. Malaysia Airlines now sees India as a growing market and wants to begin flights to Kolkata again.

Xiamen Airlines is China’s first private-owned airline. The airline is a subsidiary of China Southern Airlines and operates out of its hub located in Xiamen city in Fujian province of south-east China. If the Indian civil aviation ministry approves, then Xiamen Airlines flights between Beijing and Kolkata will become a possibility.