India and China to Resume Direct Flights From October 26

 

New Delhi: India and China have reached an agreement to restart direct passenger flights by the end of October, following several rounds of discussions between their civil aviation authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision, calling it an important step after the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.

 

According to the ministry, technical consultations had been ongoing since the beginning of the year to restore air connectivity and update the Air Services Agreement.

 

Under the new arrangement, approved airlines from both countries will be allowed to operate direct services between designated destinations starting with the winter schedule, provided operational and commercial requirements are fulfilled.

 

In line with the announcement, IndiGo declared it would resume operations to mainland China. The airline will connect Kolkata with Guangzhou through daily non-stop flights from 26 October 2025. Subject to approvals, IndiGo also plans to launch direct services between Delhi and Guangzhou soon. The carrier stated that its Airbus A320neo aircraft will be used for these routes, which are expected to reopen opportunities for trade, tourism, and business partnerships between the two nations.

 

Officials highlighted that the return of direct flights will help revive people-to-people exchanges that were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and worsened by tensions along the India-China border. The resumption of services is seen as a step towards gradually normalising bilateral engagement.

 

Air links between the two neighbours had been suspended for more than four years, severely affecting business, education, and tourism flows. The renewal of flights marks a cautious improvement in relations, even as broader diplomatic challenges remain.