August 12, 2025 — The two countries are back on course to resume direct passenger flights by as early as next month following almost five years of suspension. The move follows the resumption of diplomatic engagement and comes as a concrete step in attempting resumed people-to-people connectivity back on track. The resumption of direct air links is based on an in-principle agreement reached earlier this year following talks between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in January—demonstrating the mutual intent to re-establish connectivity.
Since then, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines such as Air India and IndiGo to be ready for flight operations. Although no timeline has been completed yet, government sources indicate that a public announcement could be made in conjunction with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this month.
Why This Matters
Restoration of People-to-People Ties
The flight suspension started during the COVID-19 pandemic and was further exacerbated by a significant border conflict in 2020. The resumption of air transport is not only economically significant it is a relaxation of relations and the first step towards restoring eroded trust.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Relaunching routes will be advantageous to various industries:
Companies will regain direct connections and minimize travel disruption.
Students especially students studying in China will regain access without expensive layovers.
Tourism is likely to experience a revival as both nations draw on enhanced mobility.
Diplomatic Significance
This step is in keeping with wider initiatives like reopening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and relaxing visa curbs—to rebalance the India-China relationship on a people-to-people basis.
What Comes Next?
Technical working groups from the two nations are expected to finalize the framework for resuming operations. Routes to capital cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Lhasa are being prioritized first, with wider international sectors potentially to follow. Carriers are in waiting for final clearances and regulatory approvals from both governments.