After five years without direct air connections, China and India have officially resumed direct flights between the two countries - a move expected to boost economic ties and tourism between the two Asian giants.
Reports confirm that the first flight from Shanghai to New Delhi landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where diplomats from both nations welcomed it warmly. This marks the first direct flight since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, which had led to the suspension of most international air routes.
An official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs said: “The resumption of direct flights between our countries will strengthen trade, education, and tourism relations, especially benefiting students and businesspeople.”
Chinese authorities also stated that this development is part of Beijing’s broader plan to reopen the country to the world after years of pandemic restrictions, aiming to revive the domestic economy and enhance regional cooperation in Asia.
Relations between China and India have been tense since the border clashes in the Himalayas in 2020, but the restoration of direct air travel signals an effort to rebuild trust and diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring powers.