New Delhi and Beijing have reached a preliminary agreement to reestablish direct flight operations, ending a five-year suspension triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The development followed discussions during Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra’s official visit to China, which concluded on Monday.
In an official release, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that both nations have “principally agreed to restart direct air links.” The statement added that aviation authorities from the two countries would soon initiate technical negotiations to finalize an updated operational framework.
Prior to the global health crisis in early 2020, air connectivity between the Asian neighbors had flourished, with approximately 500 direct flights operating monthly between major cities, according to Indian financial publication Moneycontrol. The resumption of services is expected to facilitate business, tourism, and diplomatic exchanges amid gradual normalization of international travel.
Analysts suggest the move signals a cautious thaw in bilateral relations, though full restoration of pre-pandemic flight frequencies may depend on evolving geopolitical dynamics and passenger demand.
