Background: Resumption after a pause
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that direct air services between India and China will be restored by the end of October 2025. The agreement aligns with ongoing political efforts to normalise people-to-people exchanges and streamline travel for citizens of both countries. The decision comes after a year marked by gradual improvements in bilateral ties, including de-escalation near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Depsang and Demchok and a cautious build-up of trust through a series of confidence‑building measures.
What the renewed air services pact entails
The MEA statement notes that both sides have agreed to reintroduce direct passenger services under a revised framework negotiated at the technical level by civil aviation authorities. The updated pact is designed to expand and stabilise traffic rights, simplify operational procedures, and give airlines clearer parameters for scheduling and service delivery. Carriers from each country will operate under agreed safety and regulatory standards, with the aim of creating a more reliable and predictable air link for travellers.
Role of IndiGo and other carriers
Media reports have highlighted IndiGo as a carrier preparing to restart services, but the MEA emphasises that the restart is a market-driven decision under the bilateral pact. The arrangement signals a broader re-engagement of Indian and Chinese carriers, restoring a channel that had been largely inactive for several years while reinforcing safety, scheduling, and passenger processing norms.
Implications for travellers
Direct India-China flights could offer shorter travel times, fewer connections, and more convenient options for business, tourism, and study. Officials stress that the restart will be contingent on carriers meeting operational standards, including on-time performance, baggage handling, and immigration efficiency. The refreshed framework will also influence visa policies and border procedures to promote smoother cross-border movement while maintaining security safeguards.
Timeline and practical considerations
The MEA’s announcement specifies that the resumption will be completed by the end of October 2025, with IndiGo’s reported restart on October 26 marking a concrete milestone. Airlines will need regulatory approvals, alignment with the revised pact, and sufficient ground handling and air traffic coordination. Travelers should monitor official airline advisories and government notices for route details, flight frequencies, and any travel advisories that may apply in the interim.
Diplomatic and economic significance
Reactivating direct air services forms part of a broader effort to normalise bilateral relations and enhance people-to-people exchanges. Since early this year, authorities have pursued a sequence of steps to strengthen trust and stability along the LAC and in cross-border commerce, tourism, and education. While challenges remain, the move to restore direct air links is a tangible signal of a renewed willingness to engage economically and culturally.
Looking ahead
As India and China implement the renewed air services framework and monitor the initial routes, observers expect incremental expansion of connections and schedules. The October milestone could pave the way for broader aviation cooperation, improved safety collaboration, and a more robust travel experience for travellers seeking direct access between these two major Asian markets.
