After a five-year break caused by the pandemic and border tensions, India-China direct flights have finally resumed, signaling a significant improvement in bilateral relations.
This development is not just about air travel—it represents a crucial diplomatic milestone that marks the warming of ties between two of Asia’s biggest powers.
With trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges now poised for revival, both nations are stepping into a new phase of cooperation and connectivity.
Why the Flights Were Suspended
COVID-19 lockdowns and the 2020 border clash
In early 2020, all flights between India and China were halted as COVID-19 spread worldwide. While other international air routes gradually reopened, India and China continued the suspension due to escalating border tensions following the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.
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The confrontation froze diplomatic efforts and left a significant gap in transport connectivity. For five years, travelers had to rely on connecting flights through third countries like Singapore or Bangkok, leading to longer journeys and higher travel costs.
Impact on air travel between India and China
Before the suspension, there were around 2,500 annual flights connecting both nations. The absence of direct routes affected thousands of students, business professionals, and families.
Trade delegations struggled with travel logistics, and tourism between the two neighbors dropped sharply.
The revival of India-China direct flights will now bridge that gap, allowing smoother business operations and personal connections to flourish again.
Initial signs of thawing in bilateral relations
In the last two years, diplomatic engagements have gradually improved. Talks to ease border tensions and foster mutual trust paved the way for renewed cooperation.
Both governments began showing readiness to normalize relations, signaling a clear shift from confrontation to collaboration.
This positive atmosphere laid the foundation for restoring direct air connectivity—a visible step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and China.
The First Flight and Route Details
IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou
On October 27, 2025, an IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou became the first commercial service between the two countries since the suspension.
Carrying about 180 passengers, flight 6E 1703 landed successfully in southern China. The Kolkata–Guangzhou air corridor has long been seen as a vital route for business travelers and traders.
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Its resumption is viewed as a significant diplomatic and economic gesture aimed at deepening bilateral engagement.
City pairs and airline carriers are involved
Currently, IndiGo operates the only direct service, but China Eastern Airlines’ new service between Shanghai and Delhi is scheduled to start soon, offering three flights per week.
Officials from both nations have hinted that other airlines might also reopen routes connecting major business hubs like Mumbai, Beijing, and Chennai in the coming months.
The goal is to reestablish a robust air network that supports trade, tourism, and cultural interaction.
Passenger reaction and symbolic gestures at the airport
At Kolkata’s airport, staff celebrated the occasion by lighting traditional oil lamps before the departure. Passengers expressed excitement about the reduced travel time and renewed connectivity.
Business travelers called the event a “turning point” that will boost commerce, while students and families described it as a long-awaited reunion opportunity.
Meaning for India-China Relations
Resumption as part of a broader diplomatic thaw
The return of India-China direct flights is a major diplomatic symbol showing both nations’ willingness to look beyond past disputes. It reflects the success of multiple rounds of high-level meetings aimed at normalization.
Leaders from both sides have emphasized peace, cooperation, and stability as guiding principles for rebuilding trust.
India-China Links via Shanghai Cooperation Forum
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting played a key role in facilitating dialogue.
The leaders discussed ways to improve connectivity, trade, and regional stability. Their discussions were seen as a stepping stone to restarting transport links, including this long-awaited air connection.
Enhancing the people-to-people contact initiative and trade connectivity
Direct flights will enhance people-to-people diplomacy, cultural exchange, and tourism. Business chambers from both sides have already welcomed the move, saying it will encourage new trade partnerships and improve the movement of goods and professionals.
The reopening also supports broader air connectivity between India and China, contributing to a stronger regional network.
Economic, Trade, and Travel Implications
Boost for India-China trade relations and tourism.
India and China are among the largest economies in Asia, and their combined trade volume exceeds $100 billion annually. The restoration of reestablished commercial flight routes will help ease logistical challenges, foster direct business interactions, and boost the tourism sector.
Both countries anticipate that easier travel will lead to new investments, joint ventures, and a rise in visitor numbers.
Decline in flight changeovers and increased connectivity
Previously, travelers had to make two or three stops before reaching their destination. The Kolkata–Guangzhou flight path now reduces travel time by several hours, making it more convenient for entrepreneurs and students alike.
For airlines, it opens up profitable routes in the business-travel segment, which had remained untapped since 2020.
The role of commercial air links in regional cooperation
Restoring direct air routes between India and China goes beyond convenience—it serves as a confidence-building measure. Stronger air connectivity supports trade corridors, regional logistics, and cross-border cooperation. Experts believe this renewed connection will serve as a foundation for deeper India-China economic relations.
Strategic and Regional Significance
What the resumption says about border tensions easing
The revival of direct flights between India and China aligns with gradual diplomatic progress in resolving border issues. Ongoing discussions on troop disengagement and the India-China boundary agreement have shown encouraging results.
Analysts see this move as evidence that both nations are now prioritizing cooperation over confrontation.
The symbolic message to neighboring countries and global observers
This resumption sends a powerful message across Asia and beyond—that diplomatic communication can rebuild bridges, even after years of tension.
Neighboring countries see it as an indicator of India-China relations warming, which could help stabilize the broader Indo-Pacific region. For global observers, it signals pragmatic engagement between two major economies.
Future Routes: China Eastern’s New India-China Service
China Eastern’s upcoming Delhi–Shanghai service marks just the beginning. Aviation authorities have confirmed plans to reopen more connections over time, depending on passenger demand and diplomatic developments.
These future expansions will contribute to a post-COVID air travel revival and encourage greater tourism and academic exchanges.
Challenges and Outlook
Restoring full scheduled flights to pre-pandemic levels
While progress is clear, returning to pre-2020 traffic levels will take time. Airlines must rebuild their fleets, ensure crew readiness, and coordinate regulatory approvals.
The five-year flight suspension has been lifted, but full-scale recovery will depend on consistent diplomatic stability and passenger confidence.
Ensuring visa and immigration processes keep pace.
The tourist visa reinstatement between India and China has already begun, making it easier for students and professionals to travel.
However, smoother visa processing and updated immigration protocols are necessary to ensure seamless travel and sustain the strengthening bilateral partnership.
Long-term outlook for travel connectivity between India and China
In the long run, renewed air connectivity between India and China is expected to pave the way for improved trade cooperation and cultural understanding.
With border tensions easing and economic momentum building, the skies between the two nations look more open than ever.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in India-China Air Connectivity
The restoration of India-China direct flights marks a new era in regional cooperation. What began as a response to public demand for easier travel has now become a symbol of diplomatic reconciliation and mutual progress.
The IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou represents more than a route—it’s a bridge of understanding, trade, and trust.
As new airlines join and routes expand, the two nations appear ready to turn years of separation into shared opportunity, setting the stage for closer people-to-people ties and long-term peace in the region.
FAQs
- When were India-China direct flights restored?
The flights resumed in October 2025, with IndiGo’s Kolkata–Guangzhou service marking the first direct connection since 2020. - Why were flights suspended for so long?
They were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased border tensions following the Galwan Valley clash. - Which airlines are currently operating between India and China?
IndiGo has resumed its service, while China Eastern Airlines’ new service between Shanghai and Delhi is set to begin soon. - How will this affect trade and tourism?
The reopening will simplify travel for business professionals and tourists, encouraging India-China trade cooperation and tourism growth.
5. What are the plans for air travel between the two countries?
More routes are expected to reopen, restoring pre-pandemic flight frequencies and further improving bilateral relations.
