After a five-year suspension, India and China are set to restore direct air connectivity, marking a significant milestone in the normalization of bilateral relations and the revival of cross-border travel and trade.
China Eastern Airlines will resume direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi starting November 9, 2025, operating three times a week—on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This development follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit), where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation and addressing trade imbalances.
In a parallel move, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) has announced the launch of daily nonstop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, further enhancing business and people-to-people connectivity between the two Asian economic powerhouses.
These renewed air links come after years of pandemic-related disruptions and geopolitical tensions, signaling a gradual thaw in relations. The restoration of flights is expected to boost tourism, strengthen supply chains, and facilitate greater mobility across sectors including business, education, and culture.
