India-China to Resume Direct Flights by Late October

Joint Decision: India and China have formally agreed to resume direct air services between designated cities in both countries.
Target Date: The flights are scheduled to restart by late October 2025.
Normalization Signal: This move is viewed as a significant step toward the gradual normalization of overall bilateral relations, which have been strained in recent years.

Prior Suspension: Direct air connectivity was initially suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remained disrupted following intensified border tensions post-2020.
Technical Approval: The resumption decision was reached after successful technical discussions between the civil aviation authorities of both nations.
Aviation Framework: It is also part of the ongoing efforts to revise the foundational Air Services Agreement that governs aviation connectivity between India and China.

Implementation Schedule: The return of direct flights will align with the Winter Schedule, which typically commences in late October.
Key Hubs: Connectivity is anticipated between major metropolitan and economic centers, including Delhi and Mumbai in India, and Beijing and Shanghai in China.
Commercial and Regulatory Caveats: The actual implementation and frequency remain subject to the commercial decisions of the airlines involved, as well as necessary operational and regulatory clearances.

Enhanced Exchanges: The primary goal of resuming direct air links is to significantly enhance people-to-people contact and foster greater movement of individuals.
Economic Boost: The initiative is expected to provide a crucial boost to bilateral trade and tourism by facilitating easier travel for business and leisure.