India, China Plan to Resume Direct Flights After 4 Years of Tension

A major breakthrough in air travel relations between India and China is on the horizon, as the two countries discussed the early resumption of direct passenger flights. This development marks a significant step towards restoring normal air travel between the Asian rivals after a four-year hiatus.

The announcement was made by India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, following a meeting with Song Zhiyong, the head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi.

Background: Tensions at the Border

Relations between India and China have been tense since a 2020 military clash along their disputed Himalayan border, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers.

The border standoff has significantly strained ties between the nuclear-armed neighbors, affecting various aspects of their bilateral relations, including air travel.

Impact on Aviation and Trade

Following the clash, India imposed stricter regulations on Chinese investments, banned numerous Chinese apps, and suspended direct passenger flights, although cargo flights have continued. The suspension of direct flights has hindered travel and trade between the world’s two most populous nations.

High-Level Talks on Aviation Cooperation

The latest development came during a meeting between Minister Kinjarapu and Song Zhiyong, the head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi.

The discussions focused on enhancing civil aviation cooperation and exploring the early resumption of scheduled passenger flights.

Also Read: China Issues Over 60,000 Visas to Indian Travellers in 2023

China’s Push for Flight Resumption

Reports from June indicated that China has been urging India to restart direct passenger flights, but India has remained cautious due to the ongoing border tensions.

With the reopening of flights, both nations stand to benefit; however, China has a greater stake in this development as its post-pandemic travel recovery lags behind India’s booming aviation sector.

A Step Towards Normalizing Relations?

While the resumption of direct passenger flights could mark a positive step in normalizing relations, the path forward will depend on resolving broader geopolitical issues.

The proposed move underscores the importance of strengthening civil aviation ties, which could serve as a platform for rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two countries.

As talks progress, the aviation sectors in both nations—and travelers eager to reconnect—are watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution and the return of direct air links.