Direct India-China flights to take off again, opening door for travel boom

Potential for growth and cooperation is ‘substantial’, analysts say, with resumption of flights likely to boost both countries’ economies

Reading Time:3 minutes

Chinese tourists take a selfie photograph at the ancient Golden Fort of Jaisalmer on Trikuta Hill in the state of Rajasthan, India. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:00pm, 28 Aug 2025Updated: 4:08pm, 28 Aug 2025

India and China’s planned resumption of direct flights after five years is expected to revive tourism and business travel between the two regional powers and potentially boost neighbouring economies, raising hopes of a thaw in relations after years of economic and security friction.

Flights between the two countries were halted during the pandemic in 2020 and, except for a few repatriation flights, never resumed even after New Delhi and Beijing lifted Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Bilateral relations hit a nadir following a border clash between troops in June 2020 in the Galwan Valley, but in recent months there have been signs of a rapprochement.

India resumed issuing visas to Chinese citizens last month, while China recently reopened access for Indians to perform the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. The journey is regarded as offering salvation by Hindus, and is also considered important in Buddhism and Jainism.

Indian travellers have emerged as a significant and growing global market, driven by rising incomes, a youthful population and increased connectivity. Photo: EPA-EFE

“The resumption of direct flights between India and China is expected to significantly boost tourism potential between the two countries,” Jyoti Mayal, chairwoman of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council and former president of the Travel Agents Association of India, told This Week in Asia.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x