New Delhi, 12 August 2025 – India and China are on track to restore direct air connectivity after a gap of more than five years, with a formal announcement likely during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China later this month. The move follows a string of diplomatic meetings aimed at normalizing relations strained by the COVID-19 pandemic and military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Sources (one bloomberg ) familiar with the talks say flights could resume as early as next month, with both sides finalizing technical and operational arrangements. The restart of air services is expected to mark one of the most visible signs of improving bilateral ties in recent years.
Suspension Rooted in Pandemic and Border Clashes
Direct flights between the two nations were halted in early 2020 when the pandemic triggered sweeping travel restrictions worldwide. Relations worsened later that year after violent skirmishes in the Galwan Valley, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. The incident plunged diplomatic ties to their lowest point since the 1962 war.
Since then, air links have remained frozen, with only limited cargo and charter services in operation. The absence of direct commercial flights not only impacted tourism and business travel but also disrupted academic exchanges and cultural programs.
High-Level Talks Signal Thaw
The recent breakthrough comes after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri hosted Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in New Delhi. During their talks, the two sides agreed to expedite steps for the resumption of passenger flights. Negotiations are underway to update the Air Services Agreement, setting the framework for airlines to operate routes between the two countries once again.
Officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have expressed optimism that this will be a “significant confidence-building measure” in bilateral relations. The Chinese side has also welcomed the move, framing it as part of a broader effort to deepen economic and cultural ties.
Beyond Flights: Pilgrimages and Cultural Exchanges
Alongside aviation talks, both governments are working to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the sacred pilgrimage route for Indian devotees traveling to Tibet. The journey has been suspended since 2020, but plans are now in motion to relaunch it shortly after flights resume.
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Discussions have also covered easing visa procedures, with Beijing signaling openness to greater people-to-people contact. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong revealed that over 85,000 visas were issued to Indian citizens earlier this year, underscoring China’s intent to welcome more Indian visitors. Plans for increased media exchanges have also been floated, with both sides viewing them as a way to improve mutual understanding.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The resumption of flights fits into a larger pattern of cautious but deliberate engagement. While both nations continue to negotiate over border security and regional cooperation, they are also exploring joint projects on transboundary rivers and trade facilitation. Analysts see these steps as incremental but necessary for stabilizing a relationship that has been marked by mistrust.
The SCO Summit, set for the end of August, is expected to provide a high-profile stage for the official announcement. Leaders from across Eurasia will attend, giving India and China an opportunity to publicly signal their willingness to move past years of confrontation.
Symbolism and Practical Impact: WhatIs analysis
For travelers, the return of direct flights will cut hours off journey times and remove the need for layovers in third countries. For policymakers, it will serve as a tangible demonstration that dialogue is yielding results. The move could also give a boost to business links, tourism, and academic exchanges that have suffered during the hiatus.
With both sides preparing for the SCO Summit, the coming weeks will be critical in finalizing the operational details. If successful, the first flights could take off in September, marking a new chapter in one of Asia’s most complex diplomatic relationships.
FAQs
Q1: When will direct flights between India and China resume?
Direct flights are expected to restart as early as September 2025, with the official announcement likely at the SCO Summit later this month.
Q2: Why were India-China direct flights suspended?
Flights were halted in early 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and further delayed after border tensions, including the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.