DELHI- Direct flights between India and China are set to resume after a gap of more than five years. The news comes after a notable shift in diplomatic and economic engagement between the two Asian giants.
The move comes amid improving bilateral relations and growing recognition of the need for stronger connectivity in trade, tourism, and education. The suspension of direct flights between the two nations dates back to early 2020, when pandemic-related travel restrictions were introduced.
Since then, travelers have had to rely on indirect connections via hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai. This adds to both time and cost to the journey. The restoration of these routes is expected to cut travel times dramatically, offering more convenience to passengers and unlocking economic opportunities.
Photo: VT-VLO TwitterIndia, China to Resume Flights
The revival of direct flights will streamline corporate travel between two of the world’s fastest-growing economies. China remains a critical trading partner for India, with bilateral trade crossing over $110 billion in 2023 despite the absence of direct air services.
Reduced travel time could encourage enhanced collaboration and even boost investments. Tourism is also expected to benefit. India and China do not have the same high-volume leisure travel seen between some other regional pairs.
However, niche tourism — such as cultural exchanges, heritage tours, and business tourism — could see an uptick. The return of direct flights is a reflection of warming diplomatic ties. In recent years, relations between India and China have been tested by border tensions and geopolitical differences.
However, this move suggests a mutual willingness to enhance engagement in areas of common interest, particularly trade and travel. In the pre-COVID era, IndiGo was flying to Chengdu and Guangzhou from Delhi and Kolkata, respectively. Air India used to fly to Shanghai but terminated the flights later.
Photo: China Eastern AirlinesPotential Routes and Airline Involvement
India has asked major Indian carriers like Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) to fast-track the planning of flights to China. Chinese airlines might also be ready to lead the charge. Possible initial routes could be to the major cities of China, like Beijing and Shanghai.
New Delhi–Beijing, New Delhi–Shanghai, and Mumbai–Guangzhou could be some of the routes we might see happening.
Moreover, with signs of improving relations, both countries would agree upon increasing the number of flights as well. If this happens, other cities like Bengaluru may also join the network of both Indian and Chinese carriers.
Given current aviation market trends, flights are likely to begin at a moderate frequency — possibly three to four weekly services — before expanding based on passenger demand. This can be seen as a precursor to more cooperative measures in other sectors.
Photo: Brisbane AirportBottom Line
The restart of direct flights between India and China is very good news and a step toward bridging one of Asia’s most significant economic corridors. With business, education, and cultural exchanges set to become easier, both nations stand to gain from this renewed connectivity.
Airlines are now expected to move quickly in announcing routes and schedules. The flight services could potentially take off in the coming one or two months. IndiGo could surely have that upper hand due to the ongoing refurbishment works in Air India.
Before the suspension in 2020, direct flights played a key role in supporting trade delegations and technology partnerships. Both economies are deeply intertwined in sectors like manufacturing, IT services, and pharmaceuticals.
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