After a long hiatus, India and China have agreed to resume direct flights. This decision comes following five years of strained relations post-Galwan clashes. The Foreign Ministry made an official announcement on Thursday. Subsequently, airline IndiGo also declared that it would restart direct flights between India and China from October 26.
According to the Foreign Ministry's statement, since the beginning of this year, both nations' civil aviation authorities have engaged in technical-level talks to resume direct air services and amend the Air Services Agreement, following the government's approach to gradually normalize relations between India and China.
Flights were initially halted following the Doklam standoff and further delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flights Expected to Start by End of October
The ministry confirmed that direct flights between India and China will begin by the end of October 2025, contingent upon the approval of commercial permits and adherence to all operational guidelines.
Source: aajtak
This agreement will facilitate easier contact between the people of both countries, gradually normalizing bilateral ties.
IndiGo to Start Flights from October 26
IndiGo announced the resumption of its services to mainland China following recent diplomatic initiatives, with daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou (CAN) commencing October 26, 2025.
The airline also revealed plans to soon start direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, utilizing Airbus A320neo aircraft to operate these routes. This move aims to reinstate business, strategic partnerships, and tourism opportunities between the two countries.
Decision Taken After Chinese Foreign Minister's Visit
It is noteworthy that the initial announcement of resuming direct flights was made after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi last month. Since last year, relations between the two countries have been improving, marked by the return of troops from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Depsang and Demchok and confidence-building steps by the end of 2024.
High-level diplomatic and military dialogues, Track-2 negotiations, and relaxation of certain trade restrictions have been part of these efforts. Resuming direct flights marks a significant step towards regular exchanges between India and China, facilitating trade, travel, and improved interpersonal connections.
