India–China Air Link Revival

Strategic Diplomatic Thaw

After a five-year suspension due to COVID‑19 and the 2020 Galwan Valley tensions, India and China are now moving to restore direct aviation links. Key diplomatic breakthroughs include the October 2024 LAC patrol protocols and January 2025 in-principle agreements to resume air connectivity. Both governments are in close communication to finalize arrangements before an expected announcement at the SCO Summit in Tianjin on August 31–September 1, 2025.

Airlines Primed for Service Resumption

IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers has confirmed readiness to resume pre-pandemic routes such as Delhi–Chengdu and Kolkata–Guangzhou, pending bilateral clearances. Air India, likewise, stands prepared to reactivate its significant Delhi–Shanghai corridor.

Tentative Launch Timeline: September 2025

Multiple sources anticipate that direct flights will resume by September 2025, aligned with diplomatic symbolism and practical staging during PM Modi’s SCO visit.

Expected Routes & Benefits

Key routes likely to return include:

• Delhi ↔ Shanghai

• Delhi ↔ Chengdu

• Kolkata ↔ Guangzhou
  
  

Restoring these links will:

• Cut travel time and cost, eliminating reliance on transit hubs like Hong Kong or Singapore.

• Boost tourism and cultural exchange.

• Facilitate business and trade, easing corporate travel, logistics, and negotiations

Implications for B2B Travel Professionals

• Travel planners and corporate agents: You’ll soon have direct options for clients, simplifying itineraries and making travel segments more efficient and affordable.

• Consolidators and wholesalers: Opportunity to bundle services around these key corridors, tapping into renewed demand from inbound and outbound sectors.

• Airline and aviation industry professionals: Monitor approvals, slot allocations, and regulatory developments to leverage early booking windows and yield-optimizing strategies.

Conclusion & Takeaway

The planned resumption of direct India–China flights by September 2025 marks a notable milestone in diplomatic normalization and regional aviation revival. For B2B stakeholders—travel agents, corporate planners, consolidators, and airline professionals—this opening offers strategic advantages. Whether it’s assembling streamlined itineraries, capitalizing on pent-up travel demand, or coordinating operations for business travelers, being ahead of the curve will deliver value and competitive edge.

Stay Connected with the Travel Community.

Follow our updates at blog.agentbazar.in and transform how you support your clients at every stage of travel.