New delhi – Direct flights between India and China will resume later this month, marking a significant thaw in travel relations after nearly five years of pandemic-related restrictions and geopolitical tensions. The first flights are expected to operate starting December 11, 2023, according to announcements from both countries’ civil aviation authorities.
The resumption of air connectivity is poised to benefit business travelers, students, and families separated by the prolonged suspension, while also perhaps boosting tourism and trade between the two Asian giants.Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 14,000 passengers traveled weekly between India and China. The re-establishment of these routes comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize bilateral relations, which have been strained since the 2020 border clashes in the Galwan Valley.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the restart, stating that Chinese airlines have been notified to prepare for resuming flights. India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation echoed the announcement, adding that further details regarding flight schedules and ticket availability will be released shortly. Currently, only a limited number of flights operated by Air India are permitted to fly to china, and these are expected to increase as the situation normalizes.
The suspension began in January 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, initially as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the virus. Despite China easing its travel restrictions earlier this year, a full resumption of flights with India was delayed due to lingering concerns and diplomatic complexities. The move follows recent high-level talks between Indian and Chinese officials aimed at resolving outstanding issues and fostering greater cooperation.
