India and China have agreed to restart direct passenger flights between select cities by late October 2025, ending a suspension that lasted more than five years.
Background
Direct air services between the two countries were halted in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation was further prolonged by diplomatic tensions following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which strained bilateral relations.
Flight Resumption Plan
Flights are expected to resume between designated cities, pending final approvals and airline schedules. IndiGo has already announced plans to restart its Kolkata – Guangzhou service from October 26, 2025.
Authorities from both sides have described the move as a step toward restoring people-to-people contact and normalizing travel and trade ties.
Diplomatic Context
The announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China, his first in seven years, where both sides reaffirmed their intention to improve relations and manage disputes peacefully.
Both leaders emphasized that India and China should act as development partners and agreed to work on reducing trade imbalances. India has consistently raised concerns over its widening trade deficit with China, which stands at around US $99 billion.
Significance
The restart of direct flights marks a cautious but meaningful step toward improving ties after years of tension. It is expected to:
- Boost tourism and business travel
- Strengthen trade and cultural exchanges
- Encourage academic and diplomatic engagement
Officials from both countries are also holding technical level discussions to ensure smooth implementation of the flight schedules and regulatory compliance.
What’s Next
Airlines from both nations will soon release updated schedules and ticketing details. Travel and tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the move will reopen opportunities for collaboration, investment, and mutual understanding.
