India and China Accelerate Direct Flight Restoration After 5 Years

India and China are intensifying their initiatives to resume direct air travel between the nations following high-level talks that took place during a two-day diplomatic summit in New Delhi on June 12–13, 2025.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong convened to assess the current state of their diplomatic relationship. A major agenda item was the pressing need to reestablish direct air travel, which has been paused since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Diplomatic Efforts to Restore Relations

Per India’s Ministry of External Affairs, both nations have committed to collaborating on reinstating direct air services and streamlining visa processes. The Foreign Secretary urged for a swift completion of procedures and an updated Air Services Agreement.

China has also conveyed its endorsement, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stating that re-establishing direct flights would serve the “mutual benefit” of both countries. He highlighted the advantages of encouraging exchanges among people and cooperative initiatives, advocating for India to work together to resume flights promptly.

Reasons Behind the Suspension of Direct Flights

Direct air services between India and China have been halted since early 2020 as a consequence of the pandemic. Even though both nations have slowly reopened other forms of interaction, their full-scale air connectivity remains constrained.

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At present, travelers from India and China must use indirect routes, often passing through third-party countries such as Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, or Hong Kong. These detours not only prolong travel time but also elevate expenses for both travelers and businesses.

Current Travel Patterns of Indians and Chinese

Indians traveling to China, primarily students, business professionals, and other service workers, generally find it necessary to travel via Southeast Asia or the Middle East due to the lack of direct options.

Similarly, Chinese travelers heading to India encounter comparable travel arrangements, complicating tourism and commercial interactions.

Bilateral discussions indicate that re-establishing direct connectivity will foster tourism, educational exchanges, collaborative research, and economic partnerships.

Projected Timeline for the Resumption of Direct Flights

Although a specific date has yet to be determined, officials from both nations have suggested an eagerness to restore flights “at the earliest opportunity.” The renewed initiative, supported by both governments, suggests a potential resumption by late 2025 or early 2026.

Anticipate announcements concerning airline schedules and updates to visa processes in the upcoming months as negotiations progress.

Other Discussion Topics

In addition to air travel, India expressed gratitude for China’s assistance in reinitiating the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year, a revered journey for Indian pilgrims. The conversations also addressed matters concerning trans-border rivers, shared hydrological data, and enhancing collaboration in media and academic fields.

Implications for Travelers

• Cuts in costs and quicker travel for travelers between India and China.
• Increased trade and tourism, particularly for Indian students returning to institutions in China.
• Bolstering of bilateral trust and cultural interchange through more straightforward travel.

Conclusion

The potential restoration of direct flights between India and China represents a crucial advance in mending bilateral relations. Once revived, it will significantly benefit travelers, stimulate tourism and commerce, and facilitate cross-border interactions in a more accessible and efficient manner.