New Delhi: Direct flights between India and China have officially resumed after a suspension of over five years, marking a significant step in rebuilding ties between the two Asian giants.
The development was confirmed on Sunday by Yu Jing, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, who announced on X that “Direct flights between China and India are now a reality.”
First Flight Takes Off from Kolkata to Guangzhou
The inaugural flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou departed on Sunday, signaling the operational restart of regular air connectivity between the two countries. Following this, the Shanghai-New Delhi route is scheduled to begin on November 9, with three flights per week.
IndiGo, one of India’s largest carriers, will operate these routes. The airline had earlier announced plans to resume direct flights in October, with daily nonstop services between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting from October 26, 2025. These flights will utilize the Airbus A320neo aircraft, offering both comfort and efficiency for passengers traveling between the two nations.
Direct flights between China and India are now a reality.
✈️ Kolkata → Guangzhou launches today.
Shanghai ↔ New Delhi starts Nov 9, flying 3 times a week. pic.twitter.com/rxa0ag4jFd
— Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) October 26, 2025
Expansion Plans: Delhi-Guangzhou Route
In addition to the Kolkata-Guangzhou route, IndiGo has confirmed the launch of daily direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou from November 10, 2025. These services are subject to final regulatory approvals but are expected to further strengthen economic and cultural links between India and China.
IndiGo’s announcements highlight the strategic importance of restoring air connectivity. “The resumption of these flights will not only enhance people-to-people contact but also facilitate trade, tourism, and business engagement between India and China,” the airline stated in its October press release.
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Historical Context: Suspension and Tensions
Flights between India and China had been suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The suspension was compounded by the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, one of the deadliest border confrontations between the two countries in decades. Diplomatic relations remained strained for several years, with minimal trade and limited people-to-people interactions.
Efforts to normalize relations gradually gained momentum in 2024. In October of that year, both countries reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a key step in easing border tensions. This development paved the way for the restoration of economic and transportation links, including the long-awaited resumption of direct flights.
Implications for Trade and Tourism
The restart of flights is expected to have a positive impact on both trade and tourism. Businesses in sectors such as textiles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals are likely to benefit from faster logistics and easier travel. Tourism exchanges are also expected to rise, with both countries promoting travel and cultural engagement.
Analysts suggest that these new routes may act as a catalyst for broader diplomatic engagement, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations after years of strained interactions. For Indian travelers, the resumption offers more convenient options for business trips, educational travel, and leisure, while Chinese tourists can now explore India more easily.
Looking Ahead
As India-China flights resume after a five-year gap, both nations appear committed to strengthening ties on multiple fronts. The new routes are a symbolic and practical step toward normalizing relations, fostering economic cooperation, and facilitating cultural exchanges. With IndiGo leading the charge, the skies between India and China are finally open once again, promising a renewed chapter in bilateral connectivity.