China-India flights resumed on Monday after a five-year pause, marking a key step in restoring trade and economic ties. The first IndiGo flight landed in Guangzhou, South China, carrying a full passenger load. Specifically, the flight departed Sunday at 10 pm and arrived at 3:49 am. It mainly served business and trade travelers.
Furthermore, IndiGo plans to expand service with a second daily Delhi-Guangzhou route starting November 10.
Meanwhile, China Eastern Airlines will start a Shanghai-Delhi route on November 9. It will operate Airbus A330-200 aircraft three times weekly. Consequently, weekly China-India flights will total 17 from November 9, according to VariFlight.
Executives praised the resumption. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said the flights strengthen ties between two of the world’s largest populations. In addition, Vinay Malhotra, head of global sales at IndiGo, said the flights will boost trade, investment, tourism, and education cooperation.
Moreover, China Eastern Airlines added that the Shanghai-Delhi route will improve personnel exchanges and economic collaboration. Travel experts noted that previous flights required detours through Hong Kong, thereby increasing costs and travel time.
Analysts described the flights as a timely boost for relations. Qian Feng, director at Tsinghua University’s National Strategy Institute, said the flights restore trust, support people-to-people exchanges, and create a foundation for sustainable cooperation.
He added that the flights signal a shift in India’s approach toward China from a zero-sum perspective to win-win cooperation.
From a diplomatic perspective, the flights align with agreements made in Tianjin. Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the resumption reflects both countries’ dedication to long-term relations. Moreover, it promotes peace and stability in Asia.
Looking ahead, expanding China-India flights could strengthen trade corridors, tourism links, and cultural exchanges. Ultimately, the flights will deliver benefits for businesses and citizens in both countries.
