India and China are set to resume direct flight operations by late October, marking a major step toward normalising bilateral relations. The move, finalised after technical-level discussions, is expected to boost trade, travel, and people-to-people connectivity between the two nations
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In view of normalising travel and trade between China and India, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said that direct flight operations between the two countries are set to resume before the end of October.
Direct flights between India and China are expected to be resumed before the end of this month (October). The travel and trade sector of the country is expected to experience a massive boost.
As reported by news agency ANI, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also stated that the resumption of direct flights between India and China aligns with the growing trend towards normalisation in the relationship between the two nations.
Addressing a media briefing, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Yesterday we had issued a press release, and thereafter I understand that commercial activity in this regard has started. This is, of course, in line with the growing trend towards normalisation in the relationship between India and China," as cited by news agency ANI.
As part of this understanding, both countries are slated to resume direct flights by late October. The civil aviation of India and China have been engaged in discussions on resuming air services and finalising a revised Air Services Agreement.
The Ministry of External Affairs, while issuing a statement, said that it has been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume later this month.
MEA emphasised, "Since earlier this year, as part of the government's approach towards gradual normalisation of relations between India and China, the civil aviation authorities of the two countries have been engaged in technical-level discussions on resuming direct air services between the two countries and on a revised Air Services Agreement," as cited by news agency ANI.
The ministry further added that, "Following these discussions, it has now been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume by late October 2025, in keeping with the winter season schedule, subject to the commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries and fulfilment of all operational criteria," as per ANI.
According to the statement, this agreement between the civil aviation authorities will further facilitate people-to-people contact between India and China, ultimately contributing towards the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges.
Direct flight operations between India and China were suspended following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Moreover, the restriction of flight operations between the two countries was not resumed in view of the Doklam standoff.
(With inputs from ANI)
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