Air travel between the two countries was halted in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and further disrupted following the deadly border clash in the Galwan Valley that year. Since then, passengers and cargo have been rerouted via third countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, adding substantial time and cost to travel and trade.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the move on Saturday, a day beforer the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating that both governments had agreed to restart direct flight services as relations between the two nations showed signs of improvement. “We are reopening one of Asia’s most important economic corridors,” Modi said, according to reports, adding that the decision would benefit businesses, students, and families across both countries.
Sharing my remarks during meeting with President Xi Jinping. https://t.co/pw1OAMBWdc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025
Also read | PM Modi meets Xi Jinping in Tianjin as SCO Summit gets underway
Before the suspension, traffic between India and China was considerable. Before the Pandemic in the financial year 2019, over 816,000 passengers travelled between the two nations, with Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo operating hundreds of monthly flights alongside Chinese airlines. Cargo movement was also significant, with nearly 30,000 tonnes shipped annually — higher than the cargo volume between India and the US.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to revitalise trade and tourism, as well as support Indian and Chinese companies with firm business ties. For students and professionals who previously relied on complex transit routes, the resumption of direct services will simplify travel and reduce costs.
No official schedule has yet been released, but aviation authorities in both countries are expected to approve routes in the coming weeks. Industry experts predict that carriers will initially resume limited services before expanding based on demand.
The move comes amid broader efforts to stabilise ties between New Delhi and Beijing, with high-level diplomatic engagements resuming and trade volumes gradually recovering. While tensions remain, the restoration of direct air links is being seen as a positive step toward normalising relations.
