India-China Flights Set for Resumption After five-Year Hiatus
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New Delhi - After a five-year pause stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating geopolitical tensions, India and China are preparing to reinstate direct air connections. Both IndiGo and Air India are positioned to resume routes as soon as final bilateral agreements are secured, potentially as early as september 2025.
A Thaw in relations
The anticipated resumption of flights underscores a warming trend in relations between the two nations.Key cities expected to be reconnected include Delhi and Shanghai. This growth follows a period of strained diplomatic ties, particularly after the border clash in the galwan Valley in June 2020.
In October 2024, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a significant step toward de-escalating tensions that had persisted for nearly four years. This diplomatic progress has paved the way for renewed discussions regarding air connectivity.
Did You Know? The Galwan Valley clash in 2020 resulted in casualties on both sides and significantly impacted India-China relations,leading to economic and diplomatic repercussions.
Airline Preparations
IndiGo previously operated daily flights from Delhi to Chengdu until February 6, 2020, and from Kolkata to Guangzhou until February 1, 2020. Air India maintained services from Delhi to Shanghai during the same period. These routes were halted due to pandemic-related travel restrictions and the subsequent deterioration in bilateral relations.
IndiGo’s Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Elbers, affirmed the airline’s readiness to reinstate services, stating, “IndiGo operated daily flights between India and China before the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline stands ready to resume these services as soon as bilateral arrangements between the two countries allow.” He emphasized the airline’s strategic focus on expanding its international network.
Air India is also preparing to re-establish its china routes, wiht the Indian government urging swift readiness from both carriers. The potential routes under consideration include Delhi to Shanghai, Delhi to Chengdu, and Kolkata to Guangzhou.
Strategic and Economic Implications
The resumption of direct flights is expected to stimulate tourism,bolster business ties,and enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two Asian economic powerhouses. Currently, travelers face longer journeys and increased costs due to the necessity of connecting flights through hubs like Hong Kong, Dubai, and Singapore.
Direct connectivity is anticipated to improve efficiency and strengthen bilateral relations.This timing is particularly relevant as India navigates trade complexities with the United States following tariff increases on Indian goods. The move also aligns with india’s broader diplomatic initiatives, including the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on August 31, 2025, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with Chinese leaders.
Pro Tip: For travelers, direct flights typically translate to reduced travel time, lower costs, and a more convenient journey.
timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2020 | IndiGo suspends flights to Chengdu and Guangzhou. |
| February 2020 | Air India suspends flights to Shanghai. |
| June 2020 | Galwan Valley clash escalates tensions between India and China. |
| October 2024 | India and China agree on LAC patrolling protocols. |
| January 27, 2025 | Initial agreement to resume flights stalled due to tensions with Pakistan. |
| September 2025 (Expected) | Official announcement and resumption of flights anticipated. |
Looking Ahead
Final agreements regarding seat allocations, slot availability, and flight schedules are pending. An official announcement is expected by early September 2025.Chinese carriers are also expected to reciprocate with resumed services, establishing a balanced aviation framework. This marks a pivotal moment after a five-year gap, demonstrating a mutual commitment to rebuilding ties.
What impact will the resumption of these flights have on tourism between the two countries? And how will this improved connectivity affect broader economic relations?
The relationship between India and China is one of the most complex and consequential in the world. while economic ties remain strong, geopolitical tensions have consistently presented challenges. The resumption of direct flights represents a cautious but significant step towards normalization, driven by mutual economic interests and a desire for regional stability. The long-term success of this initiative will depend on continued diplomatic engagement and a commitment to resolving outstanding issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What airlines are resuming flights between India and China?
- When are flights expected to start?
- which cities will be connected?
- why were flights suspended in the first place?
- What is the meaning of this resumption?
IndiGo and Air India are the primary airlines preparing to resume direct flights.
An official announcement and the start of flights are anticipated by September 2025.
Potential routes include Delhi to Shanghai, Delhi to Chengdu, and Kolkata to Guangzhou.
Flights were initially suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently prolonged by geopolitical tensions following the Galwan Valley clash.
The resumption signifies a warming of relations between India and China and is expected to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
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