India and China Resume Direct Flights After 5 Years | Latest News October 2, 2025

India and China Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Suspension

October 2, 2025 — India and China have officially announced the resumption of direct flights between the two countries after nearly five years of suspension. This major step is being seen as a sign of improving diplomatic relations and easing tensions between Asia’s two largest economies. According to officials, the new flights are expected to begin by late October 2025.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the revival of direct air connectivity will bring significant relief to travelers and will boost both commercial and diplomatic engagements. Direct flights were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating border clashes, which pushed bilateral relations to their lowest point in decades.

Recent diplomatic outreach paved the way for this breakthrough. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where both leaders agreed to work on measures to normalize ties. The resumption of flights is now seen as the first major practical outcome of that agreement.

Indian carriers such as IndiGo and Air India have already begun preparations to restart services. IndiGo has confirmed that it will launch flights on the Kolkata–Guangzhou route from October 26, 2025, while Chinese airlines are also preparing to relaunch their India routes. Industry experts say the decision will greatly benefit business communities, students, tourists, and families, as travel time and costs will be significantly reduced.

However, certain technical and administrative matters still need resolution. Both governments must revise the bilateral air service agreement, allocate flight slots, and finalize enhanced security protocols.

Economic analysts highlight that the move will positively impact bilateral trade, considering that India and China are among the world’s largest economies. Tourism is also expected to rebound, while academic and cultural exchanges will expand. Socially, the announcement has been welcomed as it will make family reunions and people-to-people contact much easier.

Despite the optimism, some critics have expressed concerns that political disagreements or border tensions could once again jeopardize the continuity of these flights. Visa processing, passenger safety, and operational sustainability are also seen as key challenges that need long-term solutions.

In summary, the October 2, 2025 decision by India and China to restore direct flights marks a new chapter in their bilateral relationship. The development signals a reduction in hostilities and provides an opportunity to strengthen economic, social, and diplomatic ties. The world will now watch closely to see when these flights actually take off and how this decision shapes the future of India-China relations.