The east Indian city of Calcutta will have its first direct flight to China next week when China Eastern Airlines launches its new service between Calcutta and Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, in southwest China, on October 29.

China Eastern will operate three flights between Calcutta and Kunming every week.

It takes over two hours' non-stop flying from Calcutta to reach Kunming, from where China Eastern Airlines has connecting flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other major Chinese cities.

Experts said bilateral economic and cultural exchanges would become more frequent following the introduction of the new air route.