China-India Direct Flights Resume, Signaling Strengthened Bilateral Ties
Beijing / New Delhi – October 25, 2025: China on Friday welcomed the resumption of direct flights between India and mainland China, highlighting the development as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations and fostering people-to-people exchanges.
During a regular media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, “The resumption of direct flights between mainland China and India is the latest progress in earnestly implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders during their Tianjin meeting. It is also a positive measure to facilitate friendly exchanges between the more than 2.8 billion people of China and India.”
Guo further emphasised Beijing’s commitment to promoting stable and healthy relations. “China is willing to work with India to view and handle China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promote the continued healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, better benefit the two countries and their peoples, and make due contributions to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and the world,” he added.
IndiGo and China Eastern Resume Services
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo announced the restart of daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou from October 26, marking one of the first direct India-China services to resume. The airline also plans to operate daily direct flights between New Delhi and Guangzhou starting November 10 using Airbus A320 aircraft.
In parallel, China Eastern Airlines confirmed the resumption of flights on its India route, with Shanghai-Delhi services beginning November 9, operating three times weekly — on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. According to the airline:
- Flight MU564 departs from Delhi at 7:55 p.m., arriving in Shanghai at 4:10 a.m. the following day.
- Flight MU563 leaves Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 12:50 p.m., reaching Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 5:45 p.m. local time.
Tickets for both routes are now available for passengers, marking a key milestone in restoring critical air connectivity between the two nations.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The Shanghai-Delhi route is widely regarded as one of the most strategically important air links, connecting the major economic and cultural hubs of China and India. Officials from both countries view the resumption of flights as a catalyst for enhanced trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
For India, direct flights to China facilitate smoother business travel and expand opportunities for cross-border collaborations, particularly in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and higher education. Similarly, China benefits from improved accessibility to Indian markets and strengthened people-to-people connections.
The flight resumption follows recent diplomatic engagements, including the Tianjin meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which underscored the importance of maintaining stable bilateral ties. These measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce logistical and economic barriers while ensuring the safety and efficiency of travel between the two nations.
Restoring Air Connectivity After Disruptions
Direct India-China flights were suspended in recent years due to pandemic-related restrictions and geopolitical uncertainties, impacting trade and tourism. The restoration of these services signals a return to normalcy and renewed confidence in cross-border exchanges.
China Eastern Airlines’ resumption of flights to Delhi also marks the full restoration of its India network, strengthening its position in one of Asia’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Industry experts predict that these routes will play a significant role in increasing passenger traffic and facilitating corporate ties, especially for Indian students, business professionals, and tourists visiting China.
Looking Ahead
The renewed flight connectivity is expected to complement ongoing efforts by both nations to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchange. With air travel resuming and diplomatic channels open, the coming months are likely to witness an uptick in economic activities and people-to-people interaction, paving the way for more robust China-India engagement in the long term.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com:
The resumption of direct flights between China and India is more than just a logistical milestone — it is a symbol of renewed trust, cooperation, and strategic partnership. As businesses, students, and tourists resume travel, both nations stand to benefit from stronger cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties. This development reaffirms the importance of sustained dialogue and connectivity in fostering peace and prosperity in Asia.