India-China direct flights to resume by end of October, says MEA

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that India and China will resume direct flight services from October 26. The decision is seen as part of the Indian government’s diplomatic efforts to normalise relations with China, following the US's new tariff policy. Technical-level discussions between aviation officials of both countries had been going on since early this year to restart flights.

The ministry said both sides agreed to restart services by the end of October. The matter was also discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai summit.

Designated airlines from both countries will be allowed to operate direct flights. IndiGo has already announced daily non-stop services from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26. The airline also plans to launch flights from Delhi to Guangzhou.

Flight services between the two countries were first suspended after the Doklam standoff, and later extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Galwan clash further strained ties, delaying the resumption of flights. Earlier, services operated to major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Along with direct flights, both sides have also agreed to simplify visa processes for tourists, business travellers, journalists, and other visitors.