India, China Likely to Resume Direct Flights Next Month After Five Years
India and China are set to restart direct passenger flights as early as September 2025, ending a suspension that has lasted nearly five years. The move, reported by multiple sources, comes after months of quiet diplomatic coordination and is expected to be formally announced during or around the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this month.
According to officials familiar with the matter, Indian carriers—such as Air India and IndiGo—have been directed to prepare routes and schedules on short notice. Chinese airlines are also expected to resume operations to Indian cities in a phased manner.
A Long Hiatus Since 2020
Direct air connectivity between the two countries was suspended in early 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak, which first emerged in Wuhan. The pause was prolonged due to escalating border tensions, including the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, and strained diplomatic ties. Since then, travellers between India and China have relied on connecting flights through third countries such as Singapore, Dubai, and Bangkok, often facing higher costs and longer travel times.
Potential Impact on Travel and Trade
The resumption of direct flights is expected to reduce travel time to just over six hours between major cities like New Delhi and Beijing, and could boost business, tourism, and academic exchanges. Trade experts suggest that improved connectivity might also benefit bilateral commerce, which, despite political tensions, reached over $136 billion in 2024.
Formal Announcement Expected Soon
Officials indicate that the announcement could be timed with the SCO Summit to symbolise a step towards thawing relations. While the restoration of air links is not seen as a resolution of deeper political disputes, it is being viewed as a practical measure to facilitate people-to-people contact.
If finalised, this will mark the first direct commercial flight between India and China since late 2019.
