October 5, 2025 | 08:39 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - India and China have reopened direct flights between two cities starting from October 2025. The direct flights between the two countries were closed for five years due to travel restrictions during Covid-19 and issues related to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and border disputes.
As reported by Travel and Leisure, the inaugural direct flight between the two countries is scheduled to resume on October 26, 2025. This flight is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, increase tourism, and facilitate cultural and trade exchanges.
Direct flights between China and India have been discontinued since 2020, despite China being India's largest bilateral trade partner.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement that these flights would further facilitate people-to-people contacts between India and China, contributing to the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges. 'It has now been agreed that direct air services connecting specific points in India and China can be resumed by the end of October 2025, as per the winter schedule,' said the statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, quoted by The Hindu.
IndiGo Airlines
These direct flights will be operated by India's largest airline, IndiGo, daily. The flights will connect Kolkata and Guangzhou. The airline also plans to launch a route connecting New Delhi with the same city. Tickets for these flights will be available on the IndiGo website starting Friday, October 3, 2025. IndiGo will use its Airbus A320neo aircraft for this service.
Following IndiGo, Air India is also expected to start direct flights to Shanghai by the end of 2025.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China a month ago for the first time in seven years to attend a regional security bloc meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that India and China are development partners, not rivals, and discussed ways to strengthen trade relations amid global tariff uncertainty.
Editor’s Choice: How to Get the Best Deals on Airline Tickets, According to Google Flights
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
India Sets the Pace in Global Conservation via Archaeological Diplomacy
12 jam lalu
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has highlighted its expanding role in heritage conservation both within and beyond India's borders.
India's Northeast: Rising Growth Engine Fueled by Expanding Regional Ties
15 jam lalu
India's northeastern region has been growing faster than the national average, bolstered by targeted development programs.
How ICMR Became India's Frontline Against COVID-19
16 jam lalu
The ICMR led a transformation that turned India into a global example of pandemic resilience.
India's Delhi Airport Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreign Tourists: A Guide
2 hari lalu
Foreign tourists arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi, India, can now submit their arrival details online. Read more here.
Hiker Plunges to Death from China Mountain After Untying Safety Rope to Take Pictures
2 hari lalu
A relative of the hiker said the victim was visiting Nama Peak for the first time and fell from a height of about 100 to 200 meters.
China Opens World's Highest Bridge, Set to Bolster Tourism and Economy
4 hari lalu
The highest bridge in the world in Southern China officially opened to traffic on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The bridge significantly reduces travel time for passengers.
Former China Agriculture Minister Sentenced to Death over $37 Million Bribes
5 hari lalu
China has reportedly sentenced former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting a massive bribes.
7 Foods and Drinks to Avoid on Flights
5 hari lalu
Want a Comfortable Flight? Flight attendants and doctors reveal the foods and drinks you must avoid during flights.
Decoding Flight Attendants' Greetings During Boarding
5 hari lalu
Flight attendants actually conduct quick evaluations of passengers to ensure safety and security.
Bali Airport Adds Direct Flights to China and South Korea
5 hari lalu
Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has expanded its global connectivity.
