According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), technical-level discussions had been underway earlier this year to restore direct connectivity. The talks also focused on revising the existing Air Services Agreement to ensure smooth operations and compliance with international aviation standards.

Officials confirmed that direct flights connecting designated points in India and China will resume as part of the winter season schedule. However, the actual start of services will depend on the commercial decisions of airlines from both countries and their ability to meet operational requirements.

The resumption of flights is expected to significantly improve people-to-people contact and trade exchanges. It will also benefit students, business travelers and families who depend on cross-border connectivity. The move is being seen as part of a broader effort by both governments to gradually rebuild ties.

Following recent diplomatic progress, IndiGo has announced the resumption of direct flights between India and Mainland China. Starting 26 October 2025, the airline will operate daily non-stop services from Kolkata to Guangzhou (CAN) using Airbus A320neo aircraft. Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo will also launch direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou. These services aim to boost trade, business ties, and tourism between the two countries.

Air India too is likely to resume the direct flight services to China by the end of the year, according to sources quoted by ANI.

Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from limited repatriation flights during the crisis, commercial services never resumed, even after travel restrictions were eased. Tensions escalated further after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which drove bilateral ties to their lowest point in decades.

In recent months, both sides have taken small steps toward normalisation. India has resumed issuing visas to Chinese citizens, while China has allowed Indian pilgrims to travel for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The restoration of direct flights is expected to ease long-standing difficulties faced by students, business travelers, and families, who have been forced to rely on lengthy and costly connecting routes for almost five years.

In August 2025, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India for high-level bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During the discussions, both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between India and Mainland China at the earliest and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement to facilitate smoother air travel. They also agreed on measures to ease visa procedures for tourists, businesspeople, media personnel, and other visitors, promoting stronger people-to-people and business exchanges.

During his visit, Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ Dialogue on the Boundary Question with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, focusing on maintaining peace and stability along the border. He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China are essential for regional and global peace and prosperity. The visit followed PM Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit hosted by China, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.