India–China Direct Flights to Resume After Five Years

India–China Direct Flights to Resume After Five Years

India has announced the resumption of direct passenger flights to China after a gap of five years, beginning from 26 October 2025, marking an important step in recalibrating bilateral engagement. The suspension of direct air connectivity since 2020 was not merely a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic but also reflected a broader deterioration in India–China relations following the Galwan Valley clash and prolonged military standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The decision to restore flights therefore carries both economic and diplomatic significance.

Under the revised Air Services Agreement, Indian carriers are set to resume operations on key routes. IndiGo will operate daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, while Air India plans to launch services between Delhi and Shanghai. Prior to the suspension, India–China air connectivity was extensive, with over 2,500 flights annually and 1.25 million two-way passengers in 2019. However, Chinese airlines dominated the market, while Indian carriers held a relatively small share.

The resumption of flights is expected to provide a major boost to bilateral trade and supply chains. India–China trade reached USD 61.6 billion in the first five months of 2025, and India remains heavily dependent on Chinese imports, particularly in electronics, solar components, and machinery. Direct air connectivity will reduce logistical costs, improve business mobility, and facilitate faster movement of medium-value goods and trade documentation.