India and China have agreed to resume direct air services between the two countries starting late October 2025, following recent diplomatic talks and civil aviation discussions. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision, highlighting it as a significant step toward the gradual normalization of bilateral relations, easing travel for business, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Following recent diplomatic progress, IndiGo has announced it will operate daily non-stop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou (CAN) using Airbus A320neo aircraft starting 26 October 2025, further easing travel and strengthening people-to-people and business ties.

Press Release: Resumption of direct air services between India and China Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 2, 2025

Technical talks and revised agreement

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), technical-level discussions had been underway earlier this year to restore direct connectivity. The talks also focused on revising the existing Air Services Agreement to ensure smooth operations and compliance with international aviation standards.

Flights to begin in winter schedule

Officials confirmed that direct flights connecting designated points in India and China will resume as part of the winter season schedule. However, the actual start of services will depend on the commercial decisions of airlines from both countries and their ability to meet operational requirements.

Boost to people-to-people contact

The resumption of flights is expected to significantly improve people-to-people contact and trade exchanges. It will also benefit students, business travelers and families who depend on cross-border connectivity. The move is being seen as part of a broader effort by both governments to gradually rebuild ties.

IndiGo announces resumption of direct flights to China

Following recent diplomatic progress, IndiGo has announced the resumption of direct flights between India and Mainland China. Starting 26 October 2025, the airline will operate daily non-stop services from Kolkata to Guangzhou (CAN) using Airbus A320neo aircraft. Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo will also launch direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou. These services aim to boost trade, business ties, and tourism between the two countries.

India-China flights suspended since 2020

Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from limited repatriation flights during the crisis, commercial services never resumed, even after travel restrictions were eased. Tensions escalated further after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which drove bilateral ties to their lowest point in decades.

In recent months, both sides have taken small steps toward normalisation. India has resumed issuing visas to Chinese citizens, while China has allowed Indian pilgrims to travel for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The restoration of direct flights is expected to ease long-standing difficulties faced by students, business travelers, and families, who have been forced to rely on lengthy and costly connecting routes for almost five years.

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