GURUGRAM- IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI) are ready to resume direct flights between India and China, pending final bilateral agreements. This follows a 5-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions.
The move signals warming ties, with Delhi (DEL) and Shanghai (PVG) among key cities likely to reconnect soon. Advanced talks aim to restore air connectivity by September 2025.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesIndia-China Direct Flights
IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI) are preparing to resume direct flights from India to China, a market they served actively until early 2020.
IndiGo operated daily services from Delhi (DEL) to Chengdu (CTU) until February 6, 2020, and from Kolkata (CCU) to Guangzhou (CAN) until February 1, 2020.
Air India ran flights from Delhi to Shanghai (PVG) during the same period. These routes were suspended due to global travel restrictions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by strained diplomatic relations following the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.
Recent developments suggest that relations between the two countries are improving. In October 2024, India and China agreed on patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), easing tensions that had persisted for nearly 4 years.
This diplomatic progress has paved the way for renewed discussions on resuming direct flights, with negotiations now in an advanced stage.
Sources indicate that an official announcement could align with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on August 31, 2025, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Chinese leaders.
IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, emphasized the airline’s readiness to resume services as soon as bilateral agreements are finalized.
“IndiGo operated daily flights between India and China before the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline stands ready to resume these services as soon as bilateral arrangements between the two countries allow,” Elbers stated.
He highlighted IndiGo’s commitment to seizing commercially viable opportunities, reflecting the airline’s strategy to expand its international network.
Air India, similarly, is preparing to reinstate its China routes, with the Indian government urging both carriers to be ready at short notice.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalHistorical Context and Challenges
Direct flights between India and China were robust before 2020, with over a dozen weekly services connecting major cities like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Kolkata (CCU), and Bengaluru (BLR) to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), and Chengdu (CTU).
Chinese carriers such as Air China (CA), China Southern (CZ), and China Eastern (MU) also operated reciprocal routes.
The suspension of these flights was initially due to the pandemic, but was prolonged by geopolitical tensions after the Galwan Valley clash, which marked the most serious border conflict in decades.
Diplomatic and economic relations deteriorated sharply post-2020, with India imposing restrictions on Chinese investments and banning 59 Chinese mobile applications.
The agreement on LAC patrolling in October 2024, however, signaled a cautious step toward normalization.
Earlier efforts to resume flights, agreed in principle on January 27, 2025, were stalled by renewed tensions with Pakistan, but recent talks have regained momentum.
Photo: EurospotStrategic Implications
The resumption of direct flights is expected to boost tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges between India and China, two of Asia’s largest economies.
Currently, travelers rely on connecting flights via hubs like Hong Kong (HKG), Dubai (DXB), or Singapore (SIN), which increase travel time and costs.
Direct connectivity will enhance efficiency and strengthen bilateral ties, especially as India navigates trade tensions with the US following President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes on Indian goods.
The timing aligns with India’s broader diplomatic engagements, including the SCO Summit, where enhanced air connectivity could facilitate high-level interactions.
Both nations aim to stabilize relations through people-centric measures, such as resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and fostering media exchanges.
Photo: Pieter ElbersFuture Outlook
Indian authorities have instructed IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI) to prepare for operations to China, with potential city pairs including Delhi (DEL)-Shanghai (PVG), Delhi (DEL)-Chengdu (CTU), and Kolkata (CCU)-Guangzhou (CAN).
Final agreements on seat entitlements, slot approvals, and schedules are pending, with an announcement expected by early September 2025.
Chinese carriers are also likely to resume reciprocal services, creating a balanced aviation framework.
The resumption marks a significant milestone after a 5-year gap, reflecting a mutual commitment to rebuild ties.
Travelers and businesses await confirmation of schedules to plan seamless connectivity between these key Asian markets.
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The post India China Direct Flights: IndiGo Ready, Waiting for Govt Green Light appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
