India and China are preparing to restore direct passenger flights as early as next month, ending a four-year suspension that began during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Bloomberg, Indian airlines have been told to be ready for operations to China on short notice, with an official announcement likely during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of August in Tianjin.
Pandemic Suspension and Travel Disruption
Direct flights between the two countries were halted in 2020, forcing passengers to travel through third-country hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore. The resumption would significantly cut travel time, benefiting business travelers, students, and tourists on both sides.
Diplomatic and Geopolitical Context
The move comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply after deadly border clashes in 2020, leading to travel and trade restrictions. Recently, India eased tourist visa rules for Chinese nationals, signaling a cautious thaw. The resumption also follows tensions between India and the US over tariffs and Russian oil imports.
Expected Announcement at SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the SCO summit from August 31, where he may meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit could serve as the platform for the official confirmation of the flight resumption plan.
Airlines Preparing for Take-Off
Before the pandemic, Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo operated routes to China, along with Chinese airlines such as Air China and China Southern. The current plan focuses on restarting these services, though the exact schedule and destinations have yet to be finalized. Aviation authorities and airlines have declined to comment publicly while negotiations are ongoing.
Previous Restart Attempts and Challenges
Efforts to restart flights in January and June this year failed due to diplomatic hurdles. Progress has been made only in the past two weeks, with both sides signaling greater readiness to move forward. Still, sources warn that obstacles remain, and the timeline could shift.
If successful, the restoration of direct air connectivity will not only streamline travel but also act as a modest step towards rebuilding economic and people-to-people exchanges between the two Asian giants.
