India-China Hold Talks to Resume Direct Flights After Gap of 4 Years

While flights between India and Hong Kong have resumed, mainland China remains disconnected until now.

India and China have initiated discussions to restore direct flight connectivity, which has remained suspended since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions.

As reported by BusinessLine, both countries have agreed to first “streamline procedures” necessary for the resumption of airline operations.

Before the pandemic, several airlines operated direct routes between cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

However, services were halted following the outbreak of COVID-19 and later exacerbated by between after military clashes erupted between the two neighbours in the Galwan Valley of the Ladakh region.

While flights between India and Hong Kong have resumed, mainland China remains disconnected until now.

According to BusinessLine sources, multiple stakeholders are involved in the ongoing talks, including discussions around visa facilitation. The current focus is on logistical processes such as slot allocations, renewal of ground handling contracts, and related procedural steps.

Once these are finalized, it will be up to individual airlines to prepare for operations including staffing and securing necessary regulatory approvals.

Notably, this renewed cooperation will not alter the framework of the existing bilateral air rights agreement between the two nations.

The Indian aviation sector has responded positively to the development. A senior airline executive told BusinessLine that pre-COVID, flights to China saw healthy passenger loads sometimes as high as 90%. Industry veteran Mark D Martin of Martin Consulting emphasized that the return of flight services would be “extremely positive” for India-based carriers.

“We can expect to see Chinese low-cost carriers entering India with routes to major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai,” Martin stated.

He also highlighted the potential for expanded air cargo services due to growing trade demands between the two countries.

Another airline executive pointed out the strategic importance of reestablishing direct air links between the two most populous nations. He said that resuming flights will enhance people-to-people contact, boost trade, tourism, and foster stronger business ties even amid political differences.

 “If flights are resumed, it will benefit both countries in every aspect. Therefore, it is important to resume operations for increased cooperation and benefits,” the executive said.

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