India and China to Resume Direct Flights After Over 5 Years of Suspension
After more than five years, direct passenger flights between India and China are finally ready to resume. The decision is an important step in restoring connectivity between two Asian neighbors, whose aerial link was suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic and political stress.
The announcement has been welcomed by travelers, students and businesses on both sides, who have long been waiting for easy travel options. Currently, people flying between India and China have to take long routes with a stopover in countries such as Singapore, Dubai, Bangkok or Hong Kong. This makes the journey more expensive and time-consuming.
With the return of direct flights, the journey is expected to be faster, inexpensive and more convenient
Why were flights suspended?
Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020, when the Kovid -19 epidemic shut down the global of international air travel. While many countries restored their aerial relations after reducing sanctions, flights between India and China stopped due to strained diplomatic relations and mutual concerns over health safety.
The final direct flight between the two countries was in late 2019. Since then, only cargo services have been allowed to operate. Thousands of Indian students studying in Chinese universities, commercial passengers and professionals were forced to depend on indirect connections.
What Does the Resumption Mean?
The resumption of flights is a positive development for multiple groups:
- Students – India has one of the largest groups of international students in China, particularly in medical universities. Direct flights will make it easier for them to travel back and forth, especially after years of uncertainty during the pandemic.
- Business Community – China is one of India’s largest trading partners. Direct flights will improve business travel, promote investment, and support trade delegations.
- Tourists – Tourism between India and China has remained very low in recent years. Easier connectivity could encourage more people to explore destinations in both countries.
- Families – People with relatives working or studying abroad will also benefit from shorter travel times.
Expected Flight Routes
Although official details are still being finalized, flights are expected to operate between major hubs such as:
- New Delhi – Beijing
- New Delhi – Shanghai
- Mumbai – Guangzhou
Initially, only a limited number of flights per week may be available, depending on demand and airline readiness. Carriers such as Air India and China Eastern Airlines are likely to lead the restart. Over time, more routes may be added.
Travel time and cost profit
Currently, most of the passengers between India and China take one-stop flights with a low-over in Southeast Asia or the Middle East. These trips can take 10 to 15 hours, with more ticket costs due to long routes.
Straight flights, however, take about 6 to 7 hours, cutting the time of travel in about half. Ticket prices are also expected to decrease, although more flights in initial demand may remain on rent until more flights are offered.
Nomination
Beyond the convenience, this step is also being seen as a sign of generalization between India and China. The two countries have had political and border tensions in recent years, affecting cooperation in many areas. Restoring air connectivity has a desire to improve people’s relationship with people, eventhough major diplomatic issues remain.
Analysts believe that while this step cannot resolve a wider difference, it will help reduce the difficulties faced by the minimum common citizens and businesses.
Safety and Health Protocol
Both countries are expected to follow strict health and safety protocols for passengers. While the COVID-19 sanctions have reduced to a great extent worldwide, some additional checks may apply. Passengers should be designed for updated admission requirements including visa formalities, health announcements and potential vaccination records.
Voices from passengers
Many students and professionals have expressed relief at the news.
- Ankita Sharma, a medical student in Wuhan, said: “For years, we had to take long connecting flights. A direct flight will save us both money and energy. It is very good news for students like me.”
- Rajesh Gupta, a businessman from Mumbai, added: “China is a major trade partner. Traveling there used to be simple, but in recent years it has become very complicated. Direct flights will definitely boost business opportunities.”
Future Outlook
Experts say that further cooperation in tourism, education and trade can be encouraged by starting flights. India and China are one of the largest economies in the world, and easy connectivity between them is necessary.
However, a lot will depend on how easily the initial flight operations run and how cheap ticket prices are. Airlines will need to carefully balance demand and supply to make the routes profitable.
conclusion
The return of direct flights between India and China after five years is a much-awaited development. This will benefit students, business passengers and tourists equally by making the journey rapid, cheaper and more comfortable.
While major political challenges remain between the two countries, the reopening of the aerial link is an important step in connecting people and strengthening practical cooperation. For many people, it sounds like a return to normal after years of disintegration.
