India is set to resume direct passenger flights to China, signalling a potential improvement in relations between the two nations following years of strained ties. The flights, which were halted in 2020 during the pandemic, have remained suspended even after both countries lifted their COVID-19 travel restrictions. The resumption of flights would represent a significant step toward enhancing economic cooperation between the two Asian giants.
Last week, India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, met his Chinese counterpart, Song Zhiyong, during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in Delhi. Following the meeting, Naidu took to social media platform X, stating that discussions had focused on “strengthening civil aviation cooperation, particularly the early resumption of scheduled passenger flights.”
The resumption of direct flights has garnered widespread support from various industry leaders. Mark D. Martin, CEO of aviation consultancy Martin Consulting, emphasised the importance of restoring full-fledged air travel between the two nations, not just to Beijing but to other Chinese provinces. “There is so much lost trade between the two countries,” Martin remarked, highlighting the interwoven nature of their economies, especially within the BRICS bloc.
Both nations stand to gain from this move, especially in light of China’s slower recovery in air travel post-COVID. Subhash Goyal, chairman of the aviation and tourism committee at the Indian Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that many travellers are flying via third countries such as Thailand and Hong Kong. He stated, “It makes more sense for Indian and Chinese airlines to restart flights rather than give business to third-country airlines.”
Before the suspension in 2020, direct flights between India and China peaked in December 2019, with 539 scheduled flights. According to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, Chinese airlines dominated the route, accounting for 371 flights, while Indian carriers scheduled 168.
Beyond the economic impact, the resumption of flights symbolises a thaw in frosty relations between the two countries, which has marked tensions along the Himalayan border. At the end of August, both nations pledged to de-escalate tensions and work toward resolving their long-standing border dispute. This move has fostered optimism about improving bilateral ties, further enhancing the potential for economic cooperation.
For India, the resumption of flights could attract more Chinese investment, benefiting its manufacturing and export sectors. The possibility of relaxed trade curbs has also raised hopes for increased movement of professionals and tourists between the two nations, fostering stronger economic and cultural connections. As political and economic barriers slowly soften, the return of direct flights could pave the way for deeper collaboration between India and China.
