New Delhi: After a hiatus of over five years, India and China are set to resume direct flight services by the end of October 2025, a development hailed as a positive step toward normalizing relations between the two Asian giants. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that both nations have agreed to restart air services, reflecting a renewed commitment to facilitating travel, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
The suspension of flights, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic and was further complicated by border tensions in eastern Ladakh, disrupted business, tourism, and cultural ties. Since the start of 2025, officials from both countries engaged in repeated negotiations to update the bilateral air services agreement and pave the way for a safe and efficient resumption.
The revived flight schedule will include designated routes operated by carriers from both countries, with India’s airlines preparing to resume flights connecting major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Guangzhou. Airlines are now coordinating operational logistics, including slot allocations, safety protocols, and customs arrangements, to ensure a smooth restart of services.
Analysts note that the resumption of flights is not merely a logistical step but also a symbolic gesture of growing diplomatic understanding. Direct air links are expected to accelerate trade, foster tourism, and provide a platform for increased cultural and academic exchanges, strengthening long-term ties between India and China.
This announcement comes as both governments continue to engage in dialogue on broader economic and strategic issues, signaling a cautious but steady improvement in bilateral relations. Passengers, businesses, and travel agencies alike are preparing for a surge in demand once the flights officially resume later this month.