India, China Begin Preliminary Discussions to Restart Direct Flights: Aviation Secretary

India and China have begun talks to resume direct air services between the two countries, with the first round of discussions now completed, according to Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam. Speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conference on aviation and tourism on Monday, Vualnam mentioned that the talks are still in the early stages, and no specific dates have been set for the resumption of flights. He added that some issues remain unresolved, and further discussions are anticipated.

Direct flights between India and China were halted following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the border clashes in 2020. (Representational image)

Direct flights between the two countries were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and border tensions in 2020. Prior to the suspension, airlines operated numerous direct flights each week connecting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming with New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Last month, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, stated that both countries are engaged in ongoing discussions to restore direct air connectivity. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously noted that, following top diplomat Vikram Misri’s visit to China in January, the two nations had agreed "in principle" to resume direct flights.

The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 marked a significant deterioration in relations between India and China. The violent skirmish resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese personnel. In response to the clash, India imposed measures, including a ban on 59 Chinese mobile applications. China criticized the ban as discriminatory and considered taking the matter to the WTO.

Vualnam also addressed concerns about domestic airfares in India, noting that fare levels in the country are much lower than in other regions. He explained that India's deregulated market makes it difficult to control fare fluctuations, though elected representatives remain concerned about pricing, particularly during peak seasons.

To monitor these fluctuations, a tariff monitoring unit has been established under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Fare hikes during festivals remain a challenge. Vualnam pointed out that the highest fare category, or "top bucket" fares—which attract the most attention, including from Members of Parliament—represent only 1% of total tickets sold. He emphasized that airlines should moderate these fares themselves.

The AirSewa portal and its mobile app will now highlight airfares more prominently. Passengers can file complaints through the platform, and the ministry will monitor and take action on cases of excessively high or monopolistic pricing.

While there is no simple solution due to the deregulated market, Vualnam assured that coordination between the civil aviation ministry and DGCA is ongoing to address concerns.

Citing IATA data, SpiceJet’s Chief Customer Officer Kamal Hingorani stated that Indian fares are the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region. He explained that most domestic tickets purchased 30 days in advance result in losses for airlines, while bookings made 15–30 days ahead break even. Tickets bought 7–13 days before travel generate marginal profit, and those booked closer to departure are the most profitable. Hingorani also noted that 16 airlines have ceased operations in India, leaving only five remaining. Achieving profitability in the aviation sector, he said, will require overall market maturity.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)