India-China Agree To Resume Direct Flights By October-End: MEA

India and China have reached an agreement to restart direct flights between the two countries by the end of October 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.

According to the MEA's statement, "It has now been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume by late October 2025, in line with the winter season schedule. The decision is subject to the commercial considerations of designated carriers from both sides and the fulfilment of all operational requirements."

The ministry highlighted that civil aviation authorities from India and China have been in technical-level discussions since earlier this year. These talks focused on resuming direct services and finalising a revised Air Services Agreement as part of efforts to gradually normalise bilateral relations.

The MEA further noted, "This agreement between the civil aviation authorities will enhance people-to-people contact between India and China and contribute to the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges."