India and China have agreed to resume direct flights from October 26, marking the end of a five-year suspension amid efforts to normalise bilateral ties after years of strained relations following the Galwan clashes.
IndiGo announced on Thursday that it will operate direct services between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26, 2025, with daily non-stop flights. The airline said it will also soon introduce a Delhi–Guangzhou route, using its Airbus A320neo aircraft.
The carrier described the move as one that will re-establish avenues for cross-border trade, enhance business partnerships, and boost tourism.
The announcement by IndiGo followed confirmation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that both countries’ civil aviation authorities had reached an agreement.
“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 MEA said.
Flights between the two neighbours were suspended in the aftermath of the Doklam crisis and further delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the MEA, direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can now resume in line with the winter season schedule, subject to commercial decisions by designated carriers from both sides and the fulfilment of operational requirements.
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The first announcement regarding the resumption of flights was made last month following the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to New Delhi.
Officials said the move represents a significant step in advancing people-to-people contact and reflects the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges.
The decision comes as India and China undertake measures to improve relations. Since late 2024, both sides have engaged in the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Depsang and Demchok.
This has been followed by a series of confidence-building measures, including high-level diplomatic and military talks, Track-II engagements, and easing of trade restrictions on selected goods.
The resumption of direct flights, observers note, signals another step forward in restoring normal exchanges and fostering cooperation between the two countries.
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