NEW DELHI: India and China are set to resume direct passenger flights by the end of October 2025, the ministry of external affairs said on Thursday, marking a significant step towards restoring normalcy in bilateral ties.In a press release, the MEA said both sides have been holding technical-level discussions since earlier this year on restarting direct air services and revising the Air Services Agreement.“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 commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries and fulfilment of all operational criteria,” the press release added. MEA added that the move is expected to expand people-to-people contact between the two neighbours. “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 said.
IndiGo to resume its flight services
IndiGo announced the resumption of its service to Mainland China following the recent diplomatic initiatives. It will resume its flight services connecting Kolkata to Guangzhou (CAN) with daily, non-stop flights starting October 26, according to the official statement. “Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo will also introduce direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou shortly. IndiGo will use its Airbus A320neo aircraft to operate these flights that will re-establish avenues for cross-border trade and strategic business partnerships and promote tourism between the two nations,” the airline said.