Chinese Airlines Set to Resume Flights to India with New Proposals

DELHI– Chinese airlines are initiating their comeback by applying for available slots at Delhi Airport (DEL) to resume operations after a long hiatus of nearly five years. Carriers such as Air China (CA), China Eastern Airlines (MU), China Southern Airlines (CZ), and Shandong Airlines (SC) are currently waiting for the necessary regulatory approvals to restart their flights.

On the other hand, IndiGo (6E) is also gearing up to reinstate flights to Chengdu (CTU) and Guangzhou (CAN). This move by IndiGo aligns with the return of Chinese airlines, aiming to revive long-delayed travel connections between the two nations, as reported by BusinessLine.

Chinese Airlines Set to Revive Flights to India

In a significant move, Chinese airlines have taken steps to reintroduce passenger flights to India. Air China from Beijing (PEK), China Eastern from Shanghai (PVG), China Southern from Guangzhou (CAN), and Shandong Airlines from Kunming (KMG) have each submitted applications for operating slots at Delhi Airport.

China Eastern has also shown interest in reinstating its service between Kunming (KMG) and Kolkata (CCU).

Expected approvals may coincide with the onset of the winter schedule, although operations are contingent upon regulatory authorizations.

To operate in India, foreign airlines need to obtain authorization from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which requires comprehensive details about the airline’s ownership, operational guidelines, fleet information, and board member data.

Additionally, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security must evaluate and approve the security protocols of the airlines before DGCA can grant final approval.

Regulatory Insights and Bilateral Agreements

DGCA’s operating authorizations, once issued, are valid for five years. Since the suspension of flights by Chinese carriers in February 2020, their previous authorizations have lapsed, necessitating renewal.

Following a recent visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that both countries have agreed to restart direct flights and refresh their bilateral air services agreement.

Under the current agreement, airlines from both India and China can operate 42 weekly flights. Before the pandemic, Chinese carriers utilized their full capacity, while Indian airlines operated only 19 flights weekly. This restoration aims to cater to the rising demand from both countries.

Understanding Passenger Demand and Travel Trends

Travel between India and China shows signs of recovery, with over half a million passengers traveling in both directions during fiscal year 2025, despite the ongoing absence of direct flights.

In the absence of nonstop services, many travelers are being funneled through hubs like Hong Kong (HKG), Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), and Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

Significantly, Hong Kong and Singapore have emerged as central transit points, comprising around 60% of the traffic in FY 2025.

Cathay Pacific (CX) has reported a surge in demand, especially from business travelers and tech industry connections. The airline has also noted growth in transfer services allowing passengers to reach Guangzhou and Shenzhen via ferry.

Similarly, Singapore Airlines (SQ) has reported consistent demand from leisure and business segments, highlighting the critical importance of this travel corridor.

Visa Regulations and Market Expansion

China’s loosening of entry regulations, including visa-free entry and 240-hour transit visa exemptions, has significantly stimulated international tourism. IATA reports that such policy shifts have led to a noticeable uptick in arrivals in China through 2025.

Outbound travel from China is also on the rise, although routes to the United States are still lagging behind pre-pandemic figures due to ongoing restrictions.

Other regional carriers such as Malaysia Airlines (MH) report high average load factors exceeding 85% on routes to China.

The airline highlights a surge in inbound demand into China and a noticeable increase in outbound holiday travel during the summer months. Interest in group travel packages from India to China is similarly rising, indicating a broad market recovery.