India and China to Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Gap

After a prolonged suspension of more than five years, India and China are set to restore direct flight operations by the end of October 2025. This long-awaited decision is being seen as a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations and boosting connectivity between the two Asian giants.

The suspension, which began in early 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions, had left travelers, businesses, and students heavily reliant on transit routes through third countries. With direct flights resuming, industry experts expect a revival in tourism, education exchanges, and cross-border trade.

Airlines from both countries are preparing schedules, and the initial phase is likely to see limited weekly flights, gradually expanding depending on demand and regulatory clearances. This move is expected to benefit not only business travelers but also families who were finding it difficult to stay connected due to longer travel routes.

Travel platforms and service providers are also gearing up for the surge. According to experts, the reopening of routes will directly boost sectors like real estate and weddings. For instance, platforms such as keymyhome.com are anticipating renewed interest from investors and buyers exploring international property options, particularly in metro hubs. Similarly, weddsmart.com, a leading wedding planning platform, expects cross-border wedding tourism to gain momentum once again, with families able to plan ceremonies involving guests from both nations more seamlessly.

Economists highlight that the return of direct flights will also help balance trade, reduce logistics costs, and encourage more frequent business delegations. Students pursuing higher education in China and professionals working in India-based multinationals with operations in China stand to benefit the most.

As both governments work on finalizing schedules and ensuring safety protocols, stakeholders are optimistic that this reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter in India-China relations, emphasizing cooperation and mutual growth after years of strained ties.