India and China have agreed to resume direct flights between the two countries later this month, marking the end of a five-year suspension that began during the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials confirmed that bookings opened on Friday, with the first flights scheduled for late October.
Direct flights were initially halted in 2020 when global travel restrictions came into effect. However, the suspension continued even after restrictions eased, as relations between Beijing and New Delhi soured over border disputes. The tensions reached a peak when soldiers clashed along the Himalayan frontier, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Diplomatic efforts in recent months have paved the way for renewed cooperation. Last month, the leaders of both nations met for the first time in seven years, signaling a thaw in relations. According to India’s government statement, technical discussions between civil aviation authorities concluded with an agreement to restore designated air routes.
The announcement emphasized that resuming direct air services would encourage greater people-to-people interaction, help normalize bilateral exchanges, and create opportunities for trade and tourism.
Indigo, India’s largest airline, has confirmed it will begin operating daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou from October 26. The airline also plans to expand services to New Delhi at a later stage. In its statement, Indigo highlighted that restoring direct connectivity will not only promote tourism but also support cross-border trade and strategic business partnerships.
Both countries had already signaled in August their intention to resume flights, advance talks over border issues, and strengthen trade ties. The latest step is being viewed as a practical move to rebuild trust while offering mutual economic benefits.
In June this year, China also granted permission for Indian pilgrims to visit Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists, for the first time since the 2020 border clashes. This move was widely seen as part of broader confidence-building measures.
The restoration of direct flights is expected to play an important role in reviving travel and cultural exchange between two of Asia’s largest economies, potentially setting the stage for deeper engagement in the years ahead.
