China and India Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Hiatus
In a major step toward easing tensions, China and India have officially restored direct passenger flights following a five-year suspension. The move marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, reopening vital economic and cultural channels strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley border clash. Air China’s inaugural flight to New Delhi this week signals a fresh start for travelers and businesses alike.
Why Were Flights Suspended?
Direct flights between the two nations were abruptly canceled in 2020 after deadly clashes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The Galwan Valley conflict, which resulted in casualties on both sides, triggered a diplomatic freeze. India responded by banning Chinese apps, tightening investment rules, and halting air travel—disrupting trade, tourism, and family reunions.
How Did Flights Resume?
Months of behind-the-scenes talks at forums like the SCO and BRICS summits laid the groundwork for reconciliation. India agreed to a limited resumption after China eased its COVID-era travel restrictions. A senior Indian official called the move “a confidence-building step” to mend strained ties.
Current Flight Schedule
- Air China: Delhi-Beijing (3x weekly)
- IndiGo (planned): Delhi-Shanghai (expected early 2025)
Families and business travelers celebrated the news. “I can finally visit my relatives in China after years,” shared Priya Sharma, an expatriate in Shanghai. Pre-pandemic, over 500,000 passengers flew annually between the countries—a figure expected to rebound.
Economic and Diplomatic Impact
- Trade Boost: Bilateral trade hit $136 billion in 2023–24; renewed flights could strengthen supply chains for electronics and pharmaceuticals.
- Tourism Revival: The hiatus cost an estimated $1.2 billion yearly in lost tourism revenue.
- Symbolic Thaw: Flights signal progress, but experts warn border disputes remain unresolved.
Key Challenges
- Visa Delays: Processing times for visas remain slow.
- Limited Routes: Major cities are prioritized; secondary routes (e.g., Mumbai-Guangzhou) await approval.
- Political Risks: Border tensions could disrupt operations again.
What’s Next?
The resumption sets the stage for potential Modi-Xi talks later this year. If sustained, it could lead to broader agreements on trade and technology.
— Reported by [Your Name], NextMinuteNews
