The decision aimed at promoting the normalization of commercial and human relations between the two Nations

Direct flights between India and mainland China will officially resume after a suspension of more than five years, in effect since March 2020 following the global travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The central Indian government has given the green light to the restoration of air links, a decision that marks a step toward the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges. The reactivation of air services is scheduled to coincide with the start of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Winter season. The date set for the first flight is next October 26.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed in a note that direct air services may resume between the designated points in the two countries, a decision that "will further facilitate interpersonal contacts between India and China".

The Indian carrier IndiGo is at the forefront of the resumption of services and has announced daily, direct and nonstop connections between Calcutta and the commercial hub of Canton (Guangzhou). These flights will be operated using Airbus A-320neo aircraft. Tickets for the Calcutta–Guangzhou route went on sale on October 3.

IndiGo has also expressed its intention to launch shortly, pending regulatory approvals, a second direct route that will connect Delhi to Guangzhou, offering a dual point of access from India. Previously the carrier already operated connections with China before the pandemic, which allows it to reactivate services relatively quickly.

According to press sources, Air India is also planning to start services to Shanghai by the end of the year, consolidating the commitment to fully restore air links. The resumption of direct flights between the world’s second and fourth largest economies is considered a key factor in restoring cross-border trade, promoting strategic commercial partnerships and supporting tourism between the two most populous nations in the world.

The government measure follows recent diplomatic initiatives and aims to support the broad network of economic and cultural relations that had been blocked for five years.