The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said India and China have reached an agreement after discussions on resuming direct air services between the two countries by late October 2025.
The MEA said in a released statement, ” Since earlier this year, as part of the Government’s approach towards gradual normalization of relations between India and China, the civil aviation authorities of the two countries have been engaged in technical-level discussions on resuming direct air services between the two countries and on a revised Air Services Agreement.
This agreement of the civil aviation authorities will further facilitate people-to-people contact between India and China, contributing towards the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges.
Following these discussions, it has now been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume by late October 2025, in keeping with the winter season schedule, subject to commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries and fulfilment of all operational criteria.”
IndiGo Airlines also announced the resumption of flights from India to mainland China. The airline said in a statement: “Following the recent diplomatic initiatives, IndiGo announced the resumption of its services to Mainland China, connecting Kolkata to Guangzhou (CAN) with daily, non-stop flights starting 26 October 2025. Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo will also introduce direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou shortly. IndiGo will use its Airbus A320neo aircraft to operate these flights that will re-establish avenues for cross-border trade and strategic business partnerships and promote tourism between the two nations.”
Following the recent diplomatic initiatives, IndiGo announced the resumption of its services to Mainland China, connecting Kolkata to Guangzhou (CAN) with daily, non-stop flights starting 26 October 2025. Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo will also introduce direct flights… pic.twitter.com/Yst0OZgjrc
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2025
The development came after a crucial meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi-Jinping took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
