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India and China Strike Deal to Resume Direct Flights from October 26

Calender Oct 03, 2025
3 min read

India and China Strike Deal to Resume Direct Flights from October 26

India and China have agreed to resume direct flights starting October 26, 2025, after a suspension that lasted over five years. This move marks a significant step in the gradual normalisation of ties between the two nations, whose relationship has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. The decision is expected to ease travel for business, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the world’s two most populous countries.

Direct flight services were initially suspended in early 2020 due to the pandemic, which brought global air travel to a near halt. Subsequently, heightened border disputes and political tensions between India and China prolonged the suspension, despite air traffic returning to normal levels elsewhere. The resumption was agreed upon in principle earlier this year following diplomatic talks, particularly discussions during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China and the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit last month.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, announced it will operate daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26, becoming the first carrier to reinstate direct air services to China. IndiGo plans to extend its routes soon with flights between New Delhi and Guangzhou. Another major carrier, Air India, aims to launch direct flights from Delhi to Shanghai before the end of this year. Chinese airlines, which previously dominated India-China air traffic, are also expected to resume services to Indian cities.

The absence of direct flights over the past five years has made travel between India and China longer and more expensive, as passengers had to use connecting flights via third countries in Southeast Asia. This inconvenience affected not only tourists but also business travellers and traders, limiting economic and cultural exchanges. The new agreement, signed by civil aviation authorities from both countries, aims to address these challenges by enhancing connectivity and supporting bilateral economic cooperation.

The resumption of flights is not only practical but also symbolic. It reflects a cautious improvement in diplomatic relations after years of strain caused by the 2020 border clashes in the Himalayan region, which resulted in casualties on both sides. The two governments have signalled a desire to move forward from past conflicts through dialogue and cooperation. The re-establishment of air links is part of a broader strategy by the Indian government to normalise relations with China, including easing visa restrictions for Chinese nationals and promoting people-to-people contact.

The timing of this agreement is also noteworthy. At a time when global trade and political landscapes are becoming more uncertain—especially with the impact of trade policies from other major global players—the restoration of direct flights holds potential benefits for regional stability and economic growth. For businesses and travellers, direct connectivity can reduce travel time, lower costs, and foster closer partnerships.

While the agreement does not automatically mean a full restoration of all ties between India and China, it represents a positive signal of thawing relations and pragmatic cooperation. Both countries have made clear that flights will resume depending on commercial viability and operational readiness. This measured approach suggests that while political tensions may persist, there is room for practical collaboration in areas of mutual benefit.

In conclusion, the decision to resume direct flights between India and China from October 26, 2025, marks an important milestone after a prolonged break due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. It promises to ease travel, strengthen trade and tourism, and serves as an encouraging sign of improving bilateral relations, reflecting a balanced and cautious step forward for both countries.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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