India, China to Resume Direct Flights Soon
India and China are preparing to restart direct passenger flights as early as next month, marking the end of a five-year suspension that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and was prolonged by border tensions. Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have been instructed to prepare for potential operations on short notice. An official announcement is expected around the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of August.
Diplomatic Thaw Behind the Move
The revival of direct air links signals a subtle thaw in bilateral ties. It follows diplomatic progress like troop disengagement along the Line of Actual Control and India’s restoration of tourist visas for Chinese nationals. High-level talks, including those on the sidelines of regional meetings, paved the way for this connectivity renewal.
Benefits for Travel and Trade
Resuming flights will streamline travel, reducing reliance on indirect routes via hubs like Hong Kong or Singapore. Experts suggest this could boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchanges. For airlines, this represents a logistical challenge: securing slots, aligning schedules, and obtaining quick regulatory approvals.
Still Some Unanswered Questions
Despite renewed momentum, final arrangements are still under negotiation. Some sources caution that while preparations are well advanced, the timeline remains fluid and subject to unexpected delays.
