- Direct passenger flights between India and China could resume as early as next month, marking a significant thaw in bilateral relations.
- Airlines like Air India and IndiGo are preparing to reconnect major city pairs, pending final regulatory approvals.
- The move follows high-level diplomatic talks aimed at stabilizing ties and easing travel frictions.
A Long-Awaited Resumption
India and China are on the verge of restarting direct passenger flights, suspended since early 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and subsequent border tensions. Senior officials from both countries met in New Delhi last month, committing to expedite the process and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. Industry sources indicate that airlines such as Air India and IndiGo are already preparing to relaunch routes like Delhi–Shanghai, contingent on slot allocations and ground-handling approvals.
Behind the Diplomacy
The June talks between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong built on an in-principle agreement reached earlier this year. The discussions also touched on visa facilitation and broader economic engagement, signaling a cautious but deliberate effort to normalize relations. "This is a people-centric step," said one official familiar with the matter, noting that the resumption aligns with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
What’s Next?
While no firm date has been announced, industry analysts expect a phased restart, with initial flights likely connecting major hubs. The move could significantly reduce travel costs and logistics bottlenecks for businesses, students, and tourists who have relied on indirect routes since 2020. However, the pace of scaling up will depend on geopolitical stability and the finalization of technical frameworks. "The ball is now in the regulators' court," said an airline executive, speaking on condition of anonymity.