India-China direct flights to resume
In a significant step toward restoring post-pandemic normalcy and rebuilding bilateral ties, India and China will resume direct commercial flights starting October 26, 2025, after a five-year suspension. IndiGo, India’s largest airline, will lead the return to the skies with daily, non-stop flights connecting Delhi and Kolkata to Guangzhou.
The resumption follows a formal agreement between the civil aviation authorities of both countries and is seen as a key diplomatic and economic milestone. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the decision was finalized after recent high-level discussions, including a visit to New Delhi last month by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. “Following these discussions, it has now been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume by late October 2025,” an MEA statement said.
“This is in line with the winter season schedule, subject to the commercial decisions of the designated carriers from both countries and the fulfilment of all operational criteria.” The agreement marks a breakthrough in restoring cross-border mobility and is expected to significantly enhance people-to-people contact, trade, tourism, and business collaboration between Asia’s two largest populations.
IndiGo will be the first Indian carrier to restart these crucial routes, deploying its efficient Airbus A320neo fleet for the service. The airline previously operated flights to China before the COVID-19 pandemic brought all such services to a halt in early 2020. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, stated: “We are proud to be amongst the first to resume direct connectivity to China from two points in India.
This will once again allow seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas, while also strengthening bilateral ties between two fast-growing economies.” The airline has also indicated its intention to further increase connectivity to more destinations in China, subject to demand and regulatory approvals.
The announcement of resumed air connectivity follows five years of suspended direct services, a period marked by both the global pandemic and regional geopolitical tensions.
However, the recent thaw in relations — including ministerial visits and dialogue — has opened the door to renewed cooperation. Resuming flights is expected to reinvigorate business ties, ease logistics for exporters and importers, and contribute to the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges. For students, professionals, and tourists, the return of direct flights removes a significant barrier to travel between the two countries.
