Direct air connectivity between New Delhi and Beijing has resumed, as Air China restarted its non-stop service, marking a key step in improving ties between the two countries.
The development was confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in India, with spokesperson Yu Jing calling it more than just a travel update. In a statement, she said the move represents progress in “trade, tourism, and trust,” and could strengthen people-to-people exchanges under multilateral platforms like SCO and BRICS.
The resumption of direct flights comes after a gap of over four years. Air services between India and China were first suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and later remained halted following tensions after the Galwan Valley clash.
Efforts to restore normalcy in bilateral relations began gaining momentum in recent years. In October 2024, both countries reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control, which was seen as a major step toward easing tensions.
Subsequently, India’s Ministry of External Affairs indicated that direct flight operations would gradually resume. The restoration has taken place in phases, beginning with a Kolkata–Guangzhou flight in October 2025, followed by a Shanghai–New Delhi route in November.
Indian carriers have also begun re-entering the route, with IndiGo announcing plans to operate non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou.
The restart of the Beijing–Delhi route is expected to further strengthen business ties, tourism, and diplomatic engagement between the two countries after years of disruption.
