Indian Carriers Resume China Flights After 5-Year Break

Indian Carriers Set to Resume Flights to China After Five-Year Break

Indian airlines are reportedly preparing to re-establish flight services to China, marking a significant step after a five-year suspension. This move is expected to be reciprocated by Chinese airlines, which are also anticipated to resume their operations to India.

The resumption of direct flights follows a hiatus that began in 2020. The suspension was primarily a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to widespread travel restrictions globally, including between India and China. For five years, air connectivity between the two Asian giants remained largely dormant, impacting business travel, tourism, and bilateral relations.

Sources indicate that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has begun the process of approving flight schedules for Indian carriers. This includes the allocation of flight slots and frequencies for routes connecting major Indian cities to popular destinations in China. The specific airlines and cities involved have not yet been fully disclosed, but the development signals a strong intent to normalize air travel.

The article suggests that Chinese airlines are expected to follow suit, with announcements regarding their flight resumptions anticipated shortly. This synchronized approach aims to restore a balanced air service agreement between the two countries, facilitating passenger and cargo movement.

The reintroduction of flights is seen as a positive development for the economies of both India and China. It is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, which were significantly curtailed during the suspension period. Business communities on both sides have been advocating for the restoration of direct air links to facilitate easier travel and business operations.

Further details regarding the exact start dates, flight frequencies, and routes are expected to be released in the coming weeks as regulatory approvals are finalized. The industry is keenly watching this development, anticipating the full restoration of air connectivity between two of Asia’s largest economies.

Key Points

• Flights between India and China were suspended for five years, beginning in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Indian airlines are reportedly in the process of resuming flights to China.
• Chinese airlines are also expected to follow suit and resume flights to India.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India is involved in approving flight schedules.

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