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The Civil Aviation Ministry said on Thursday that India and China will resume direct air services by the end of October 2025, aligning with the winter schedule.
This follows continuous technical-level engagement between civil aviation authorities of the two countries. "India and China will resume direct air services by the end of October 2025, aligning with the winter schedule. This follows continuous technical-level engagement between civil aviation authorities as part of broader efforts to normalize bilateral ties," Civil Aviation Ministry said in a post on X. It said the move will greatly enhance air connectivity, support people-to-people exchanges and contribute to the strengthening of economic collaboration between the two countries. Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release earlier that it has been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume later this month. "Since earlier this year, as part of the Government's approach towards gradual normalization of relations between India and China, the civil aviation authorities of the two countries have been engaged in technical-level discussions on resuming direct air services between the two countries and on a revised Air Services Agreement," the release said. "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," it added. MEA said that 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. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi had visited India in August this year, and during his bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions The flights between India and China were suspended following Doklam standoff and COVID-19 pandemic. During his visit to India, Wang Yi also co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi had underlined that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional and global peace and prosperity. PM Modi attended the SCO Summit hosted by China. (ANI)
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