India and China set to resume direct flights after five-year hiatus

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (FMC) – India and China are preparing to resume direct passenger flights as early as next month, ending a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is expected to significantly ease travel for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The suspension had forced travelers to rely on indirect routes via hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai, increasing travel time and costs. Indian authorities have directed major carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, to prepare for flights on key routes such as New Delhi–Beijing, New Delhi–Shanghai, and Mumbai–Guangzhou. Initial services are expected to operate three to four times weekly, with plans to expand depending on demand.

An official announcement is expected during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China. The resumption of flights aligns with a broader effort to ease diplomatic tensions following years of border disputes and strained relations.

In addition to restoring air connectivity, the two countries have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a major pilgrimage for Indian citizens, and are exploring visa reforms to facilitate smoother travel. Analysts view the reopening of direct flights as a critical step toward rebuilding trust and strengthening economic and cultural ties between the world’s two most populous nations.