India and China have taken a major step toward mending their strained relationship by agreeing to resume direct flights after a gap of nearly five years. The decision follows protracted tensions that began with the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 and were further compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, which left direct air connectivity between the two countries suspended. Now, with signs of a gradual thaw in ties, the two governments have agreed to restore this vital channel of people-to-people contact and business exchange.
Low-cost carrier IndiGo has been the first to respond to this diplomatic breakthrough, announcing that it will relaunch services connecting Kolkata and Guangzhou with daily, non-stop flights beginning on October 26, 2025. The airline also revealed plans to add direct Delhi–Guangzhou flights in the near future, deploying its Airbus A320neo fleet to operate the routes. This restoration of air travel is expected not only to facilitate greater passenger movement but also to rekindle opportunities for trade, business partnerships, and tourism between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the development, stating that discussions had been ongoing between civil aviation authorities from both sides since early 2025. These talks were aimed at revising the Air Services Agreement and working out operational details to ensure smooth connectivity. According to the MEA, the flights are expected to resume by late October in line with the winter schedule, subject to the final commercial decisions of airlines and fulfillment of all technical requirements.
The resumption of air connectivity carries significant diplomatic symbolism. It reflects a broader attempt at normalisation of ties after years of mistrust. Over the past year, both sides have engaged in a series of confidence-building measures, beginning with disengagement along the Line of Actual Control at sensitive points like Depsang and Demchok in late 2024. High-level military and diplomatic dialogues have been held, restrictions on certain trade items have been relaxed, and backchannel Track-II discussions have gathered momentum, collectively helping to ease tensions.
The timing of the announcement is also notable. It came just weeks after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited New Delhi, where both sides emphasised the need to gradually restore channels of engagement. The decision to allow flights again adds a practical dimension to these diplomatic conversations, signalling that India and China are ready to cautiously move toward rebuilding normal exchanges.
While the scars of past clashes remain, the revival of direct air services is seen as an important confidence-building measure. It underscores how aviation, trade, and tourism can serve as tools of diplomacy, creating interdependencies that might contribute to a more stable and cooperative phase in India-China relations.
