Restoring air links for tourism and trade
India and China will restart direct passenger flights later in October, ending a suspension that has lasted nearly five years. The routes, halted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and extended amid political tensions, are being restored as part of a cautious thaw in bilateral relations.
The resumption of flights is not just about aviation. It represents a renewed push for people-to-people exchange, tourism growth, and closer trade connectivity between two of Asia’s largest economies.
Years of grounded connections
Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 when COVID-19 forced countries to close borders. While India gradually restored flights with many countries, connections with China remained frozen, reflecting broader diplomatic strains after the Galwan Valley clashes later that year.
Before the suspension, carriers such as Air India, China Eastern Airlines, and Air China operated regular services linking cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. These routes served business travelers, students, and tourists, forming a vital bridge between the two nations.
The absence of flights disrupted mobility for thousands of students enrolled in Chinese universities, business professionals managing cross-border trade, and families with ties on both sides. The reopening of routes now promises to ease these long-standing hurdles.
Signaling cooperation amid rivalry
The decision to restore flights comes against a backdrop of careful diplomatic recalibration. Officials from both governments have signaled interest in expanding economic and cultural ties, even as political disagreements persist. Direct flights are seen as a low-risk, high-impact step toward rebuilding trust.
The resumption will initially focus on high-demand routes such as Delhi–Beijing and Mumbai–Shanghai, with carriers expected to gradually increase frequency depending on demand. For airlines, these routes represent profitable opportunities, particularly with pent-up demand from business and student travelers.
Tourism boards and trade chambers have also welcomed the announcement. Indian exporters see renewed access to China’s consumer markets, while Chinese investors view the move as a chance to re-engage with India’s fast-growing economy.
Flights as diplomacy in motion
The reopening of direct flights underscores how aviation often serves as a proxy for diplomacy. While border disputes remain unresolved, the restoration of air connectivity suggests both countries recognize the need for practical cooperation. For Beijing, resuming flights aligns with its efforts to normalize ties with regional partners and expand post-pandemic tourism. For New Delhi, it provides a way to boost exports, support its airlines, and re-integrate Indian students in Chinese universities.
From a business perspective, this move could reinvigorate supply chains, particularly in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles, where India and China are deeply interlinked. It may also attract corporate travelers exploring new investments, joint ventures, and conferences in both countries.
Yet risks remain. Political tensions could flare again, potentially disrupting schedules or deterring some travelers. The success of this initiative will depend on whether both sides can compartmentalize political disputes while prioritizing economic and social engagement.
Economic and tourism potential
Looking ahead, the return of direct flights could unlock significant opportunities. Tourism operators in India expect more Chinese visitors to explore destinations such as Ladakh, Kerala, and Rajasthan, while Indian travelers may once again flock to Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou for leisure and education.
In trade, businesses anticipate smoother logistics for executives and quicker decision-making on supply chains. Education is another sector poised to benefit, as thousands of Indian medical students are eager to return to Chinese universities.
If demand strengthens, the resumption could expand beyond major hubs, potentially linking secondary cities in both countries. This would broaden the benefits of connectivity and bring smaller businesses and communities into the exchange.
More broadly, the reopening may set the stage for incremental cooperation in other sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and green energy. While broader political trust will take time, the return of flights is a practical step that could pave the way for more structured engagement.
A cautious but significant restart
India and China resuming direct flights after five years is more than a logistical development—it is a symbolic reset in one of Asia’s most important bilateral relationships. The skies between the two neighbors are reopening at a time when trade, tourism, and education all stand to gain.
While challenges remain, this move signals a willingness to separate practical cooperation from political rivalry. For businesses, students, and travelers, the restored connections promise new opportunities and smoother engagement. For both governments, it is a chance to show that dialogue and connectivity remain possible, even amid competition.
