In a significant step toward mending ties, India and China have initiated discussions to restart direct passenger flights, which have been suspended for nearly five years. The talks, confirmed by India’s Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, mark a cautious but optimistic move to restore air connectivity disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and strained diplomatic relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
The preliminary negotiations, held recently between the civil aviation ministries of both nations, focused on streamlining operational frameworks, including slot allocations, ground handling, and regulatory approvals. While no specific timeline for resuming flights has been announced, the dialogue reflects a mutual interest in rebuilding economic and cultural bridges. “We’ve had one round of meetings with our Chinese counterparts,” Vualnam said at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event in New Delhi. “The process is underway, but it’s too early to set dates.”
The suspension of direct flights began in early 2020, initially due to pandemic-related restrictions. Tensions escalated after the violent border skirmish in Ladakh, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese personnel, leading India to impose strict measures, including halting passenger air services. Cargo flights, however, continued uninterrupted. Before the suspension, airlines like Air India and IndiGo operated routes connecting major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, facilitating business and tourism.
The push to restore flights gained momentum after India’s Ministry of External Affairs signaled an “in-principle” agreement during a January diplomatic visit to China. Analysts see the move as part of a broader thaw in bilateral relations, with both nations eyeing enhanced trade and people-to-people exchanges. “Resuming flights could unlock significant economic potential,” said aviation expert Rhea Menon. “It’s not just about travel—it’s about signaling trust.”
Indian carriers, equipped with modern narrowbody and widebody aircraft, are well-positioned to operate non-stop routes to key Chinese cities. On the Chinese side, airlines like China Southern are likely to reciprocate. However, challenges remain, including navigating geopolitical sensitivities and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
As talks progress, stakeholders are hopeful that direct flights could resume by mid-2025, boosting tourism, corporate travel, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. For now, both nations are treading carefully, balancing pragmatism with diplomacy in their quest to reconnect.
