India and China to Resume Flights After Five-Year Break

In a positive turn for international relations, low-cost Indian airline IndiGo announced on October 2, 2025, that it will resume flights between India and China. The airline plans to connect Kolkata (CCU) with Guangzhou (CAN) through daily, non-stop flights beginning on October 26, 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

IndiGo indicated that it would utilize its fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft for these routes. The airline emphasized that restarting these services will enhance cross-border trade, foster strategic business partnerships, and promote tourism between the countries.

Since 2020, there haven’t been any direct flights connecting India and China. This disruption followed heightened tensions along the India-China border, which resulted in tragic losses on both sides. The border, stretching 2,100 miles (3,440 km), has long been a locus of territorial disputes, leading to a significant freeze in diplomatic relations.

Recently, however, Delhi and Beijing have been investing effort into repairing their relationship. High-ranking officials have engaged in multiple discussions to alleviate border tensions and reinvigorate bilateral business connections. These diplomatic efforts reflect a concerted attempt to revive ties that have been strained for years.

What the parties are saying

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation highlighted this development on social media, stating, “India and China will resume direct air services by the end of October 2025, in line with the winter schedule. This follows ongoing engagement between civil aviation authorities aimed at normalizing bilateral ties.”

They further noted that this move would significantly improve air connectivity, facilitate people-to-people exchanges, and enhance economic collaboration between the two nations.

IndiGo previously ran flights to China before the pandemic, and the airline has existing arrangements to swiftly relaunch these services. A representative stated, “Our past experience and established relationships with local partners will aid in the quick resumption of flights.”

Pieter Elbers, the CEO of IndiGo, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled to announce the return of daily, non-stop flights between India and mainland China. We take pride in being among the first to restore direct connectivity between the two countries.”

Elbers also noted that this development would enable smoother movement of people, goods, and ideas, thereby strengthening ties between two of the world’s largest and rapidly growing economies. He mentioned that they are looking to expand direct flight offerings to China as part of IndiGo’s larger goals for global aviation reach.

In August 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to China in seven years during the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) defense summit, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the importance of normalizing relations.

Starting October 3, 2025, tickets for flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou will be available for purchase.