New Delhi/Beijing: Direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume by late October, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced.
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 since the start of this year as part of the Indian government's approach towards gradual normalization of relations between the countries.
"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," read a statement issued by the MEA.
"This agreement of the civil aviation authorities will further facilitate people-to-people contact between India and China, contributing towards the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges," it added.
Last month, during their meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping reflected on the pragmatic approach from both countries of prioritising dialogue, confidence-building measures, and regional engagement.
The meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and building on recent progress in India-China relations. The breakthrough in dialogue was made possible after both sides reached an agreement on patrolling protocols along the 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC), effectively easing a four-year border confrontation.
Meanwhile, low-cost carrier IndiGo announced on October 2 the resumption of its flight services to China, marking the return of direct air connectivity between the two countries after more than five years. The airline will launch daily non-stop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, using its Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo also plans to start direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou in the coming months. “IndiGo has earlier operated flights to China and already has several arrangements in place. The past experience and familiarity with local partners will help us resume these flights smoothly,” the airline said in a statement.
