India and China Poised to Restart Direct Flights After Five-Year Pause

The announcement of resuming direct flights between India and China marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between these two neighboring powerhouses. For over five years, air travel between the two countries has been nonexistent, forcing passengers to endure longer, more expensive journeys through third-party hubs. This development not only promises convenience for travelers but also symbolizes a broader effort to mend fences strained by geopolitical conflicts and health crises.

To understand the significance, it’s essential to revisit the historical context. Direct flights were first suspended in early 2020 amid the global outbreak of COVID-19. At the time, airlines worldwide grounded operations to curb the virus’s spread, and India-China routes were no exception. However, what began as a temporary measure extended indefinitely due to escalating border tensions. In June 2020, a violent clash in the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) resulted in casualties on both sides—20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese personnel lost their lives. This incident plunged relations into a deep freeze, leading to economic retaliations such as India’s ban on numerous Chinese mobile apps and restrictions on investments from China. Direct air links became collateral damage in this diplomatic standoff, with no resumption in sight until recent months.

Before the suspension, the aviation landscape between India and China was vibrant. More than a dozen weekly flights connected key cities. Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo operated services from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming. On the Chinese side, airlines such as Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern provided reciprocal routes, facilitating business, tourism, and student exchanges. These connections were crucial, given that China is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion annually despite the tensions. The absence of direct flights disrupted supply chains, increased logistics costs, and hampered people-to-people interactions, affecting everyone from corporate executives to pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which was also halted since 2020.

The path to resumption began gaining momentum earlier this year. In January 2025, during high-level talks between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides agreed in principle to restart direct flights and promote people-to-people contacts. This included resuming the sacred Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, a gesture of goodwill that resonated with cultural and religious sentiments in India. More recently, India has started issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals again, further easing restrictions. These steps reflect a pragmatic approach to de-escalation, especially as both nations face external pressures.

A key catalyst appears to be the shifting global dynamics, particularly involving the United States. Under President Donald Trump, the US has imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods—doubling them from 25% to 50%—in response to India’s continued oil imports from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. This has strained India-US ties, prompting New Delhi to diversify its diplomatic engagements. China, itself embroiled in a trade war with the US, has voiced support for India. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong recently criticized Trump’s policies, warning that conceding to such “bullying” could lead to further demands. In this context, resuming flights could be seen as a strategic move to strengthen economic resilience through closer Indo-Chinese cooperation.

Indian authorities have instructed carriers to gear up for operations on short notice. IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost airline, has been specifically asked to prepare, alongside Air India. Initially, the services will be limited, with frequencies ramped up gradually based on demand and operational feasibility. Logistics, including slot allocations at busy airports and crew training, are being coordinated to ensure a smooth rollout. The official announcement is anticipated during the SCO summit in Tianjin, China, scheduled for August 31 to September 1, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, potentially holding bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which could formalize the flight resumption.

The implications of this resumption are multifaceted. For travelers, it means shorter flight times—direct routes can shave off several hours compared to stopovers in Hong Kong or Singapore. Business professionals, who form a significant portion of passengers on these routes, will benefit from reduced costs and enhanced efficiency. India’s IT sector, which has strong ties with Chinese manufacturing, could see smoother collaborations. Tourism is another big winner; China’s historical sites like the Great Wall and India’s Taj Mahal could attract more cross-border visitors, especially with eased visa norms.

Economically, the move aligns with both countries’ growth agendas. India and China are among the fastest-growing major economies, with India projected to surpass Japan as the third-largest by 2030. Reviving air links will facilitate trade in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. Cultural exchanges, including student mobility—thousands of Indian students study medicine in China—will also rebound, fostering mutual understanding.

However, challenges remain. Lingering border disputes could resurface, potentially derailing progress. Aviation experts note that rebuilding trust in safety protocols post-COVID will be crucial, with both sides likely implementing strict health measures initially. Fuel prices and global inflation could impact ticket fares, making affordability a concern for budget travelers.

Looking ahead, this resumption could pave the way for deeper integration. Discussions on high-speed rail links or joint ventures in aviation technology might follow. As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, the SCO summit aims to be a “gathering of solidarity and friendship,” setting the tone for high-quality development in regional cooperation.

In conclusion, the restart of direct flights is more than a logistical update—it’s a beacon of hope for normalized relations. As both nations navigate a complex world order, this step underscores the power of connectivity in bridging divides. Travelers and businesses alike eagerly await the first flights, heralding a new chapter in India-China ties.

Content Source: This article is an original rewrite based on information compiled from reputable sources including Business Traveller (Maria Verghese, August 13, 2025), Times of India (August 2025), and Hindustan Times (August 12, 2025). Credits to these publications for the foundational reporting.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only, based on publicly available sources as of August 13, 2025. It does not constitute official advice, and readers should verify details with relevant authorities or airlines. The author and platform disclaim any liability for inaccuracies, changes in plans, or decisions made based on this information. Views expressed are synthesized from sources and do not reflect endorsements.

1. Why were direct flights between India and China suspended?
   The suspension began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was prolonged by border tensions following the Galwan Valley clash.
2. When will direct flights resume?
   Flights are expected to resume as early as September 2025, with an official announcement likely during the SCO summit at the end of August.
3. Which airlines will operate these flights?
   Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo, and Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern are anticipated to operate the routes.
4. What cities will be connected by these flights?
   Major connections include Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata in India to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming in China.
5. How many flights were there before the suspension?
   Over a dozen weekly direct flights operated between the two countries prior to the halt.
6. What prompted the resumption now?
   Diplomatic efforts to reset ties, including agreements from January 2025 talks, and external factors like US trade tensions have accelerated the process.
7. Will the flights be limited at first?
   Yes, initial services will be limited, with frequencies increasing gradually based on demand.
8. How will this affect travelers?
   It will reduce travel time and costs by eliminating the need for stopovers in places like Hong Kong or Singapore.
9. Is PM Modi involved in this development?
   Yes, the announcement may coincide with his potential visit to China for the SCO summit, where bilateral talks could occur.
10. What about visas for Chinese tourists?
    India has recently resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals as part of easing restrictions.
11. How does this relate to US-India relations?
    Amid US tariffs on Indian goods due to Russian oil imports, India is strengthening ties with China for economic balance.
12. Will the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resume too?
    Yes, agreements were made in January 2025 to restart the pilgrimage, which was stopped since 2020.
13. What safety measures will be in place?
    Airlines are expected to follow post-COVID protocols, though specifics will be announced closer to resumption.
14. How will this impact bilateral trade?
    It will facilitate smoother business travel, potentially boosting trade in sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
15. Where can I book these flights?
    Once announced, bookings will be available through airline websites like Air India or IndiGo; check for updates post-SCO summit.