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Key Points

Air India is set to resume flights to China by the end of 2025, specifically the Delhi to Shanghai route. IndiGo is also jumping in with daily flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26. This comes after Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping discussed strengthening people-to-people connections during their recent meeting. The resumption marks a significant step in normalizing India-China relations and will boost both tourism and business travel.

Key Points: Air India China Flights Resume Delhi Shanghai Route 2025

  • Air India resumes Delhi to Shanghai route after years of suspension
  • IndiGo launches Kolkata-Guangzhou daily flights starting October 26
  • Move follows Modi-Xi bilateral meeting discussing people-to-people ties
  • Resumption supports cross-border trade and tourism between nations
  • Civil aviation authorities engaged in continuous technical discussions
  • Flights to operate using Airbus A320neo aircraft for efficiency
2 min read

Air India likely to resume flight service to China by end of 2025

Air India and IndiGo to restart China flights by October 2025, restoring Delhi-Shanghai and Kolkata-Guangzhou routes after diplomatic normalization.

"India and China will resume direct air services by the end of October 2025, aligning with the winter schedule. - Civil Aviation Ministry"

By Shafali Nigam, New Delhi, October 2

Air India is likely to resume its operations to China by the end of the year.

The operations will be resumed to China, particularly the route from Delhi to Shanghai, sources confirmed to ANI on Thursday.

Civil Aviation Ministry in a post on X said, "India and China will resume direct air services by the end of October 2025, aligning with the winter schedule. This follows continuous technical-level engagement between civil aviation authorities as part of broader efforts to normalise bilateral ties. The move will greatly enhance air connectivity, support people-to-people exchanges and contribute to the strengthening of economic collaboration between the two countries."

IndiGo also announced the resumption of flights from India to mainland China.

In its press release, IndiGo stated, "Following the recent diplomatic initiatives, IndiGo, today announced the resumption of its services to Mainland China connecting Kolkata to Guangzhou (CAN) with daily, non-stop flights starting 26 October 2025."

"Subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo will also introduce direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou shortly. IndiGo will use its Airbus A320neo aircraft to operate these flights that will re-establish avenues for cross-border trade and strategic business partnerships and promote tourism between the two nations," the airline operator added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on August 31, noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I welcome better connectivity, I hope the government ensures proper security protocols. Given the border tensions, we need to be cautious about resuming flights too quickly. Safety first!
A
Arjun K
Great move for business travelers! The Delhi-Shanghai route will be a game-changer for Indian companies with operations in China. Hope the fares are competitive with current options.
S
Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels between India and China for work, this is much needed. The current travel options are exhausting. Looking forward to more convenient schedules and better connectivity.
V
Vikram M
Good to see diplomatic efforts bearing fruit. People-to-people connections are important, but I hope this doesn't mean we're compromising on our strategic interests. The government should maintain a balanced approach.
K
Kavya N
Finally! This will be so helpful for students planning to study in Chinese universities. The current travel routes are a nightmare. Hope they introduce student discounts too! 🎓
M
Michael C
Competition between Air India and IndiGo on these routes should bring down prices for consumers. Good to see multiple options emerging. The Kolkata-Guangzhou route by IndiGo is particularly interesting.

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