India and China will resume direct flights in 2025 after a 4-year gap, easing travel and boosting ties. Discover key details on routes, airlines, and what’s next for travelers.
In a landmark move to strengthen bilateral ties, India and China are set to resume India-China Direct Flights in 2025, ending a four-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. The decision, announced after high-level diplomatic talks, could see flights restart as early as September 2025, offering significant relief to travelers, students, and businesses. This development is a key step toward rebuilding India-China relations and enhancing air connectivity.
Why Were India-China Direct Flights Halted?
India-China Direct Flights stopped in early 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which grounded international travel. Before the suspension, around 500 flights operated monthly, connecting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and Chinese carriers like China Eastern facilitated seamless travel for tourists, students, and professionals.
The halt extended beyond the pandemic due to geopolitical tensions following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The conflict strained India-China relations, leading India to impose restrictions on Chinese investments and apps, while also delaying flight resumptions. Travelers were forced to rely on indirect routes via hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Dubai, which increased travel time and costs. For example, a direct Delhi-Beijing flight, typically six hours, often took 10-12 hours with layovers, with fares sometimes doubling.
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Diplomatic Efforts Pave the Way for Flight Resumption
Recent diplomatic breakthroughs have set the stage for restoring India-China direct flights. In June 2025, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met in New Delhi to discuss rebuilding trust. A key outcome was an agreement to resume direct air connectivity and update the Air Services Agreement governing aviation ties. Sources indicate that an official announcement may coincide with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China on August 31, 2025.
Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have been instructed to prepare for operations on short notice. While exact routes and schedules are still under wraps, industry experts expect flights to initially focus on major routes like Delhi-Beijing, Mumbai-Shanghai, and Bengaluru-Guangzhou.
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How India-China Direct Flights Will Benefit Travelers
The resumption of India-China Direct Flights is a game-changer for travelers. Students, who form a significant portion of passengers, will benefit from faster and cheaper travel options. Before 2020, thousands of Indian students pursued medical and other degrees in China, and direct flights will ease their journeys. Tourists can also look forward to exploring destinations like Rajasthan or the Great Wall of China more conveniently.
Businesses stand to gain significantly. Direct flights will streamline supply chains, reduce travel costs, and foster closer economic ties. In 2019, China was one of India’s largest trading partners, and resuming flights will support trade recovery. For instance, a direct Delhi-Beijing flight could cost 30-50% less than current indirect options, saving both time and money.
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Broader Implications for India-China Relations
The flight resumption is part of a broader effort to mend ties. Alongside air connectivity, both nations have agreed to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage for Indian devotees, and share trans-border river data, particularly for the Brahmaputra River. These steps signal a mutual commitment to practical cooperation, despite ongoing border disputes.
Challenges and What to Expect
While September 2025 is the target for resuming flights, some reports suggest delays until late 2025 or early 2026 due to logistical or diplomatic hurdles. The border dispute in eastern Ladakh remains a sensitive issue, with both sides maintaining military deployments. In 2024, posts on X showed India’s reluctance to resume flights until border tensions eased, indicating the delicate nature of negotiations.
Operational details, such as weekly flight frequencies and airline allocations, are yet to be finalized. Air India is expected to lead, with IndiGo potentially entering the market to cater to budget travelers. Chinese carriers like China Eastern are also keen to resume services. Travelers can expect a gradual rollout, with schedules scaling up as demand grows.
For travelers, keep an eye on airline websites like Air India for booking updates. Whether you’re a student, tourist, or business traveler, the return of direct flights promises a more connected future between India and China.