India and China to Restart Direct Flights by Late October

In a major step towards rebuilding bilateral ties, the Civil Aviation Ministry announced on Thursday that India and China direct flights 2025 will officially resume by the end of October, aligning with the upcoming winter schedule.

The decision follows months of continuous technical-level discussions between civil aviation authorities of both countries and is being viewed as part of broader efforts to normalize India-China relations.

“India and China will resume direct air services by the end of October 2025, aligning with the winter schedule. This follows continuous technical-level engagement between civil aviation authorities as part of broader efforts to normalize bilateral ties,” the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement on X.

India and China: A Step Towards Stronger Bilateral Ties

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it has been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume later this month. The ministry further clarified that this revival is subject to commercial decisions taken by the designated carriers and fulfillment of operational requirements.

The MEA underlined that the resumption of India and China direct flights 2025 will significantly improve people-to-people exchanges, strengthen economic cooperation, and help pave the way for gradual normalization of relations.

Background: Flights Suspended After Doklam and COVID-19

Direct flights between India and China were suspended first in the aftermath of the 2017 Doklam standoff and later due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, passengers traveling between the two countries have been forced to rely on connecting flights through hubs in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.

This detour not only increased travel time but also diverted substantial passenger traffic to foreign carriers. Industry estimates suggest that passenger volumes between India and China dropped to less than half of 2019 levels.

India and China: Diplomacy Paving the Way for Connectivity

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India in August 2025, where he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Both sides agreed to finalize an updated Air Services Agreement and expedite the resumption of direct flights. Visa facilitation for tourists, businesses, media personnel, and students was also discussed.

During the visit, Wang Yi also co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi emphasized that stable and constructive ties between India and China are essential for peace and prosperity in the region.

Airlines Ready to Take Off

IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, has already announced plans to restart direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou beginning October 26, 2025. The airline will operate daily non-stop services, with intentions to expand routes to Delhi-Guangzhou pending regulatory clearance.

The move is expected to encourage other airlines from both countries to re-enter the market. With the restoration of direct air connectivity, businesses, tourists, and students are expected to benefit significantly.

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