India, China to start direct flights as bilateral ties warm
Diplomatic ties between the longstanding rivals are on an upswing at a time when US tariffs have added to economic uncertainties in the world’s two most populous nations
[DELHI] India and China will resume direct flights after more than five years, as two of the world’s biggest economies seek to rebuild political ties at a time of rising global trade uncertainties.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday (Oct 2) that air service with China can start by later this month “subject to commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries” and fulfilment of other operational criteria. The move follows bilateral discussions earlier this year geared towards the reestablishment of air travel.
Direct passenger flights between India and China were suspended after the Covid-19 pandemic. The connection never resumed after diplomatic relations between the two countries hit a low point in 2020 following border clashes. Travellers between the two neighbouring countries currently transit through hubs such as Hong Kong or Singapore.
Diplomatic ties between the longstanding rivals are on an upswing at a time when US tariffs have added to economic uncertainties in the world’s two most populous nations. In August, China and India agreed to facilitate bilateral trade and investments following talks between their foreign ministers in New Delhi.
India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, said that it would resume its flights to China starting Oct 26 with daily service connecting the eastern Indian city of Kolkata to Guangzhou in southern China. The carrier said that it also planned to fly between New Delhi and Guangzhou “shortly”.
IndiGo’s chief executive officer, Pieter Elbers, welcomed the thaw in aviation ties, saying it would help his airline’s global growth plans. “With this very important step, we are looking at introducing more direct flights into China,” he said.
India’s other large local carrier, Air India, is expected to resume flying routes to China as well, but a representative for Air India had no immediate comment.
Before the suspension, Air India and IndiGo, as well as Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Southern and China Eastern operated services between major cities of the two countries.
Earlier this year, India began allowing tourist visas for Chinese nationals after years of curbs. India and China had first agreed in January to resume direct flights and once more in June, but progress was slow. BLOOMBERG
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