India and China have agreed to resume direct flights as ties normalise following five years of tensions after the Galwan clashes. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the move in an official statement on Thursday.
“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.”
The flights were suspended in the aftermath of the Doklam crisis and further delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the MEA, 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 line with the winter season schedule, subject to the commercial decisions of the designated carriers from both countries and the fulfillment of all operational criteria.
This agreement between the civil aviation authorities will further facilitate people-to-people contact between India and China, contributing to the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges.
The first annoncement regarding the resumption of the direct flights was made last month after the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to New Delhi.
The decision comes against the backdrop of gradual improvement in bilateral relations over the past year. Beginning with the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Depsang and Demchok in late 2024, both sides have undertaken a series of confidence-building measures to stabilise ties.
This has included high-level diplomatic and military dialogues, increased Track-II engagements, and easing of trade restrictions on select goods. The resumption of direct air services marks another step forward in restoring normal exchanges between the two countries.
