India and China Set to Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Pause

In a move that could mark a turning point in bilateral relations, the Indian government has instructed Air India and IndiGo to prepare for the resumption of direct passenger flights to China as early as next month. This directive comes after nearly five years of suspended air connectivity, a break caused initially by the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged by the diplomatic freeze following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Officials have indicated that the airlines must be ready to operate services at short notice, pending final diplomatic clearances and operational approvals.

India and China are set to resume direct flights as early as next month (File photo) | NDTV

A Gradual Thaw in Bilateral Relations

The decision reflects a slow but deliberate thaw in India–China ties. Over the past year, both nations have made measured efforts to ease tensions. October 2024 saw partial disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in areas like Depsang and Demchok, reducing military friction. This year has also witnessed symbolic and practical gestures toward normalcy, such as the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and India’s resumption of tourist visa services for Chinese nationals in July 2025. These steps, while cautious, have set the stage for restoring people-to-people and business connections.

The SCO Summit as a Diplomatic Stage

An official announcement on the flight resumption is widely expected during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China later this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to attend the summit would be his first to China since 2019, adding symbolic weight to the event. The SCO platform offers a high-profile diplomatic backdrop to frame the resumption of flights as part of a broader agenda of regional cooperation and stability.

Economic and Strategic Dimensions

Restoring direct flights carries both economic and strategic significance. Before the suspension in 2020, several major Indian and Chinese cities were connected by air routes that supported trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Resuming these services could boost bilateral business ties and provide an easier channel for corporate travel, educational exchanges, and tourism. Strategically, the move also signals a willingness to explore areas of cooperation despite unresolved border issues and competing geopolitical interests. It reflects a pragmatic approach in which both sides prioritize shared economic benefits alongside careful diplomatic engagement.

Airlines Prepare for the Relaunch

Air India and IndiGo are expected to finalize their route plans, complete regulatory processes, and deploy aircraft and crew to meet the anticipated September launch. While initial passenger volumes may be modest due to lingering political sensitivities, industry observers expect steady growth in demand over time. Key routes are likely to include connections between Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, re-linking major business and cultural hubs.

Conclusion

The potential resumption of direct flights between India and China represents more than just the reopening of air routes; it is a step toward rebuilding trust and practical engagement between two of Asia’s largest economies. While deep-rooted political disagreements and security concerns remain, this development underscores the importance of dialogue, trade, and cultural exchange in maintaining regional stability. By restoring this vital link, both nations are signaling that even in complex geopolitical climates, cooperation in essential sectors remains possible.

(Sources: India Today, NDTV, Financial Express)