Published: 26 October 2025CNNInternational
India-China Direct Flights Resume After Five-Year Hiatus
Direct flights between India and China resumed on October 27, 2025, ending a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Galwan Valley border clash. IndiGo flight 6E 1703 departed Kolkata at 10 PM with 176 passengers, landing in Guangzhou approximately 3.5 hours later.
State-owned China Eastern Airlines also announced Shanghai-Delhi service starting November 9, and IndiGo planned Delhi-Guangzhou from November 10. The Indian government said the resumption will 'facilitate people-to-people contact' and help 'gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges,' reflecting the broader thaw in India-China relations following the LAC disengagement agreement.
0Mains angle
Q: India and China resumed direct flights in October 2025 after a five-year suspension triggered by the pandemic and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Discuss the significance of restored air connectivity for India-China relations.
Answer (50 words):
Direct flights between India and China resumed on October 27, 2025, ending a five-year suspension caused by COVID-19 and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. IndiGo flight 6E 1703 from Kolkata to Guangzhou, carrying 176 passengers, was the first. This reflects gradual bilateral normalisation following the LAC disengagement agreement.
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Linked questionEasy
Which airline operated the first direct flight from India to China when services resumed in October 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer BIndiGo flight 6E 1703 departed Kolkata on October 27, 2025, with 176 passengers bound for Guangzhou, becoming the first direct India-China flight after a five-year suspension caused by COVID-19 and the Galwan Valley border clash.
Frequently asked questions
When did India-China direct flights resume after suspension?
Direct flights between **India and China resumed on October 27, 2025**, for the first time since **2020 when they were suspended** due to the **COVID-19 pandemic** and the **2020-2021 Galwan Valley clashes**. **Air India** operated the first **Delhi-Beijing** service.
Why were India-China flights suspended and when did they resume?
India-China direct flights were **suspended in 2020** due to the **COVID-19 pandemic** and **2020 Galwan Valley clashes** between Indian and Chinese troops. They **resumed on October 27, 2025**, following **LAC disengagement agreements** and diplomatic thaw.
Which airline operated the first India-China flight after resumption in 2025?
**Air India** operated the **first Delhi-Beijing direct flight** after the resumption of India-China services on **October 27, 2025**. Chinese carriers were also expected to restart services as part of the bilateral aviation normalisation.
What is the diplomatic significance of India-China flight resumption in 2025?
The resumption of **India-China direct flights** in October 2025 is a significant **confidence-building measure** following **LAC disengagement**, reflecting a broader diplomatic thaw. It also included **visa facilitation** for business travellers and students.
What is the India-China bilateral trade figure in context of 2025 flight resumption?
**India-China bilateral trade** stood at approximately **$136 billion in FY25**, making China one of India's largest trading partners. The resumption of **direct flights in October 2025** aims to further facilitate business travel and strengthen economic ties.
