India and China have finalized plans to reinstate direct air services by late October 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The decision follows discussions between civil aviation authorities from both countries, focusing on the resumption of flights and an updated Air Services Agreement. The MEA highlighted this agreement as a step towards gradually normalizing relations, aiming to enhance people-to-people contact and bilateral exchanges. The specific timeframe targets the winter season schedule, with the implementation subject to commercial decisions made by the designated carriers from both nations and the fulfillment of all operational requirements. IndiGo Airlines has already announced its intention to resume flights, connecting Kolkata to Guangzhou, starting October 26, 2025, and plans to introduce flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, pending regulatory approvals.
