China, India to resume direct flights before end of October
China and India are expected to resume direct flights before the end of this month, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced on Thursday, reports 24brussels.
The resumption aligns with a broader trend towards normalization in the relationship between the two nations. On October 3, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India indicated that this development reflects ongoing efforts to improve bilateral ties. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a media briefing, “Yesterday we had issued a press release and thereafter I understand that commercial activity in this regard has started. This is, of course, in line with the growing trend towards normalization in the relationship between India and China.”
The civil aviation authorities of both countries have been in discussions to finalize a revised Air Services Agreement, aiming to restore direct flights by late October. The MEA confirmed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China have been agreed to resume as part of this understanding.
“Since earlier this year, as part of the Government’s approach towards gradual normalization of relations between India and China, the civil aviation authorities have engaged in technical-level discussions,” the MEA elaborated. “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, in keeping with the winter season schedule, subject to the commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries and fulfillment of all operational criteria.”
The agreement is expected to enhance people-to-people contact, thereby contributing to the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges. Previously, direct flights between India and China had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and were not resumed during the Doklam standoff.
This progress follows commitments made during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India in August, where both sides agreed to expedite the resumption of direct flights and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. They also discussed facilitating visas for tourists, businesses, media, and other visitors. During his visit, Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized that stable and constructive ties between India and China are vital for regional and global peace and prosperity.
During their meeting on August 31 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping reiterated the importance of strengthening relations through direct flights and visa facilitation. This forthcoming resumption of air travel symbolizes a significant step towards revitalizing bilateral relations between the two nations.
