India-China to Resume Direct Flights by Late October

In a significant step toward normalizing diplomatic and people-to-people exchanges, India and China have agreed to resume direct air services between designated points in both countries by late October 2025. This development marks a positive turn in bilateral relations that had witnessed prolonged tensions in recent years. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) following technical-level discussions between the civil aviation authorities of the two nations.

Background: A Gradual Normalization

• Direct air links between India and China had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained disrupted amid border tensions post-2020.
• The resumption of flights reflects a broader governmental approach focused on the gradual restoration of bilateral ties, especially in areas like trade, tourism, education, and diplomacy.
• The MEA clarified that both countries have been engaged since early 2025 to revise the Air Services Agreement, a framework that governs aviation connectivity.

What the Agreement Involves

The agreement includes,

• Resumption of direct air services between designated cities in India and China
• Implementation aligned with the Winter Schedule, which begins in late October

Subject to,

• Commercial decisions by designated carriers from both sides
• Fulfilment of operational and regulatory criteria

While specific airlines or routes are yet to be officially announced, the move paves the way for resumed connectivity between major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, and Shanghai.

For Static

• Direct flights to resume late October 2025
• Discussions led by civil aviation authorities of both countries
• Part of efforts to revise Air Services Agreement
• Aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact and bilateral normalization