India and China are set to reinstate direct passenger flights by late October 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. This move is considered a significant step toward normalizing relations between the two nations.
The MEA noted that both countries have engaged in technical discussions this year regarding the resumption of direct air services and revisions to the Air Services Agreement. “Following these discussions, it has been agreed that direct air services linking designated points in India and China can resume by late October 2025, in accordance with the winter season schedule, contingent upon the commercial decisions of the designated airlines and the fulfillment of operational criteria,” the press release stated.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to enhance people-to-people contacts between the two neighboring countries. “This agreement from the civil aviation authorities will further facilitate exchanges between India and China, contributing to the gradual normalization of bilateral interactions,” the MEA added.
IndiGo, a major Indian airline, announced its plans to resume flights to Mainland China following recent diplomatic developments. The airline will reconnect Kolkata and Guangzhou (CAN) with daily, non-stop flights starting October 26. “Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo will also introduce direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou in the near future,” the official statement read. The airline will utilize its Airbus A320neo aircraft for these routes, which aim to foster cross-border trade, business partnerships, and tourism between the two nations.
IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, expressed pride in being one of the first to restore direct connectivity to China from two Indian cities. He emphasized that this would facilitate the seamless movement of individuals, goods, and ideas, thereby strengthening bilateral ties between the two populous countries.
The new flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou will be available for reservation starting Friday. This development follows a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, signaling a thaw in previously strained relations.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, India and China had operated 539 direct flights through various airlines, including Air India and China Eastern. The bilateral flight operations were suspended during the pandemic, and following the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020, diplomatic relations between the countries deteriorated. Consequently, travel between them has largely involved detours through third countries, primarily in Southeast Asia.
