India and China Resume Direct Flights
Analysis based on 11 articles · First reported Oct 02, 2025 · Last updated Oct 02, 2025
The resumption of direct flights between India and China is expected to positively impact the airline and tourism industries in both nations, easing travel for students, businesspeople, and families. This move signals a gradual normalization of bilateral relations, potentially fostering increased trade and economic exchanges.
India and China have agreed to resume direct flight services by late October 2025, after a five-year suspension initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. The decision, announced by the India — Ministry of External Affairs, follows technical-level discussions between civil aviation authorities and revisions to the Air Services Agreement. This move is seen as a significant step towards normalizing relations and boosting people-to-people contact between India and China. The resumption of flights will align with the winter season schedule, subject to commercial decisions by designated carriers and operational requirements. This development follows other recent signs of a thaw, including India resuming visa issuance to Chinese citizens and China reopening access for Indian pilgrims.
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