India-China Flights to Resume After Five Years

India-China Flights to Resume After Five Years

Why in News?

Recently, India announced that direct flights to China will resume after a gap of five years, starting from 26 October 2025. This move aims to strengthen economic ties and ease travel for people on both sides.

Details of the New Flight Routes Between India-China

• IndiGo is set to commence daily, non-stop flights between Kolkata (CCU) and Guangzhou (CAN) starting October 26, 2025. These flights will utilize the Airbus A320neo aircraft, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou will open for sale from Friday, 3 October 2025.
• Air India is also planning to launch direct flights between Delhi (DEL) and Shanghai (PVG) before the end of 2025. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
• The resumption of direct flights follows a revised Air Services Agreement that has been finalized.

Reasons Behind the Five-Year Suspension of India-China Direct Flights

• COVID-19 Pandemic Disruptions: In early 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread travel restrictions globally. India suspended all international flights in March 2020 to curb the virus’s spread. While many international routes resumed gradually, the India-China direct flights remained suspended due to ongoing diplomatic tensions. 

• Galwan Valley Clash: In June 2020, a violent clash occurred between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers. This incident marked the most severe border confrontation in decades and significantly deteriorated bilateral relations. The clash led to a freeze in high-level political engagements and a reassessment of diplomatic ties.

• Military Standoffs: The Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China, has been a longstanding point of contention. Following the 2020 clash, both nations engaged in prolonged military standoffs, particularly in the Ladakh region. These standoffs involved troop deployments and infrastructure developments, further escalating tensions.

• Strategic Considerations: In the aftermath of the border clashes, India adopted a cautious approach towards China. This stance led to the suspension of Chinese investments, the banning of several Chinese apps, and the halting of direct passenger flights. The Indian government maintained that the restoration of air connectivity would depend on the resolution of security concerns and the restoration of trust.

India-China Air Connectivity Before Suspension

• Flight Frequency: In 2019, the India-China air route network was extensive, with approximately 2,588 scheduled flights annually, averaging about seven one-way flights daily. These flights connected major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing, operated by both Indian and Chinese carriers like Air India, IndiGo, China Eastern, and Air China.

• Passenger Traffic: The year 2019 saw a significant volume of passenger traffic, with around 1.25 million two-way passengers traveling between the two countries. Among the busiest routes was New Delhi–Shanghai, with approximately 149,000 passengers, followed by New Delhi–Guangzhou and Mumbai–Shanghai. 

• Airline Market Share: Chinese carriers dominated the India-China air travel market. In 2019, China Southern Airlines held a 31% share of the seat capacity, China Eastern Airlines had 27%, and Air China accounted for 17%. In contrast, Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, collectively operated less than 20% of the total seat capacity on these routes.

• Economic Contribution: In 2018, India received approximately 281,768 visitors from China, with 98.1% arriving by air. This influx not only supported the hospitality sector but also stimulated local economies through spending on accommodation, transportation, and leisure activities. Air cargo services between India and China facilitated the swift movement of goods, including electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

Significance of Resuming India-China Direct Flights

• Boost to Bilateral Trade: Direct flights between India and China will significantly enhance bilateral trade efficiency. In the first five months of 2025, trade between the two nations reached $61.6 billion, showing a 10.3 percent annual increase. Direct flights will reduce time and cost for trade, allowing smoother movement of business delegates, medium-value goods, and trade documentation.

• Support for Supply Chains: Many Indian industries depend on timely imports from China, especially electronics, solar components, and machinery. During FY 2024–25, India’s imports from China exceeded $113 billion, while exports fell to $14.3 billion. The resumption of direct flights will ease supply chain disruptions and provide manufacturers with faster access to raw materials. 

• Expansion of Trade and Investment: India-China trade touched $136.2 billion in FY 2023–24, with India’s exports growing by 6 percent. China has shown interest in importing more Indian goods and encouraging Indian companies to invest in China. Direct flights will make it easier for business delegations and investors to explore opportunities and establish partnerships. 

• People-to-People Links: Direct flights will strengthen cultural and social connections. India began issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals again from July 24, 2025, ending a five-year freeze. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also resumed in June 2025. Pilgrims, students, tourists, and families will now find travel easier, supporting exchanges and deeper understanding between citizens of both countries.

Implications for India-China Relations

• India and China will deepen diplomatic dialogues in the coming years. Following the 2024 LAC disengagement agreements, both nations may continue regular military and diplomatic consultations to prevent misunderstandings along the border. This will lay the foundation for more predictable and stable relations between India and China. 
• India attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2025 to discuss security, trade, and connectivity projects with China and other member states. These engagements will enhance trust, promote regional cooperation, and contribute to stability across South and Central Asia.
• Direct flights will support economic exchanges and enable faster movement of goods and personnel. India may diversify its exports to China, and China may expand imports from India, particularly in industrial components and technology sectors.
• India and China may encourage educational, cultural, and tourism exchanges. Students, tourists, and pilgrims will travel more freely, strengthening mutual understanding and trust.
• Despite past disagreements and ongoing challenges, India and China may steadily build a framework for cooperation. Future summits, bilateral meetings, and multilateral dialogues may facilitate problem-solving.