A Landmark Step Toward Normalization
After nearly five years of suspended air connectivity, India and China are set to resume direct passenger flights by the end of this month, marking a breakthrough in bilateral relations strained by border tensions and pandemic disruptions.
According to senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), both nations have finalized the technical and operational details for the resumption of flights. The decision follows weeks of diplomatic engagement aimed at rebuilding trust and reviving economic ties.
“This resumption is not just about air routes — it’s about reopening dialogue, trade, and trust,” said a senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
🛫 Background: Five Years of Disconnection
India–China direct flights were suspended in early 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and escalating border tensions in eastern Ladakh.
Before the suspension, major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, China Eastern, and Air China operated multiple weekly flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai.
For business travelers, students, and families, the absence of direct routes meant long detours via Singapore, Bangkok, or Dubai, increasing travel time by up to 8 hours and cost by 40%.
“I used to travel monthly between Delhi and Beijing for business — now a single trip feels like an expedition,” said Rahul Jain, a Delhi-based trade consultant, welcoming the decision.
🤝 Details of the New Flight Agreement
Sources indicate that initially, three flights per week will operate between:
Delhi–Beijing (Air India & Air China)
Mumbai–Shanghai (IndiGo & China Eastern Airlines)
Both sides are expected to gradually increase frequency to daily operations over the next few months, depending on passenger demand and diplomatic conditions.
The Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) and India’s DGCA have also agreed to mutual recognition of health and safety protocols, including simplified visa and testing procedures.
“We are looking at a smooth, phased resumption that ensures safety while facilitating connectivity,” said Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
💰 Economic & Strategic Impact
The resumption of direct flights comes as a huge relief for businesses and universities on both sides. China remains one of India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $136 billion in 2024 despite diplomatic strain.
With direct air links restored:
Trade executives and students can travel faster.
Medical tourism and educational exchanges will see growth.
Indian exports such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services could regain market momentum in China.
“Flights are arteries of commerce — when they flow, economies breathe again,” said aviation analyst Anupam Bhatnagar, adding that the decision will “reset business confidence.”
🌏 Diplomatic Significance: A Thaw in Cold Relations
The timing of the agreement is seen as symbolic. It follows a series of border de-escalation talks between Indian and Chinese military commanders and a meeting between Foreign Ministers S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi earlier this month.
Diplomats believe that reopening direct air routes is a gesture of goodwill, signalling readiness to stabilize ties after years of mistrust.
“Connectivity often precedes cooperation — this could be a prelude to broader normalization,” said Professor Ritu Bhandari, an expert in Asian geopolitics.
🧭 Tourism and People-to-People Exchange
Before the pandemic, India saw over 280,000 Chinese tourists annually, while more than 120,000 Indian students studied in Chinese universities. Both segments are expected to rebound as travel restrictions ease.
Tour operators in both countries have already reported a surge in inquiries for early 2026 packages, especially cultural tours and academic exchange programs.
“We are already seeing pre-bookings for the Chinese New Year and Holi travel season,” said Manish Mehta, CEO of TravelMart India.
🚀 Industry Experts React
Aviation experts call this one of the most significant developments of 2025. The resumption of India–China direct flights is expected to:
Increase India’s international passenger volume by 5–6%
Lower airfares between major Asian hubs
Encourage code-sharing partnerships between Indian and Chinese carriers
Even tourism boards are optimistic — “This will help us achieve pre-pandemic traffic levels much faster,” said a senior Air India executive.
📊 Highlights
India–China direct flights to resume by end of month
Three routes to begin operations initially (Delhi–Beijing, Mumbai–Shanghai)
First major aviation link restored since early 2020
Boost to trade, tourism, and student mobility
Sign of improving diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Beijing
✍️ Conclusion: A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
After five years of turbulence, the skies between India and China are finally reopening. Beyond travel convenience, this move symbolizes cautious optimism — a recognition that cooperation must take flight where confrontation once prevailed.
As planes prepare for takeoff later this month, both governments hope these new routes will pave the way for a stable, pragmatic, and economically vibrant partnership.
“Let this be not just a flight of aircraft — but a flight of hope,” said one diplomat, summing up the spirit of this breakthrough.
