Core Viewpoint - India and China are set to resume direct flights for the first time since the pandemic, with a consensus reached to restore designated routes by the end of October 2025, pending commercial decisions by airlines and operational standards [3][4]. Group 1: Flight Resumption Details - IndiGo, India's largest airline, will initiate flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, 2025 [3]. - Air India also plans to return to the Chinese market, with other airlines like Air China and Eastern Airlines expected to operate routes between Beijing and New Delhi, and Shanghai and New Delhi, respectively [4]. Group 2: Pre-Pandemic Flight Data - In October 2019, there were four Chinese carriers operating flights to India, with Eastern Airlines having the largest share at 24.2%, followed by Southern Airlines at 22.9%, and Air China at 12.4% [5]. - Two Indian airlines operated flights to China, with IndiGo holding a 20.8% share and Air India at 8.2% [5]. - The most frequent route was from Guangzhou to New Delhi, accounting for 22.9% of the total flights, followed by Shanghai to New Delhi and Kunming to Kolkata [5]. Group 3: Visa Policy and Trade Relations - Prior to the resumption of direct flights, India optimized its visa policy by reinstating tourist visas for Chinese citizens in July 2023, and a consensus was reached in August to promote bilateral trade and investment [5]. Group 4: Market Impact - The resumption of direct flights is expected to reshape the Asian aviation market, as many Indian travelers previously relied on transit through Hong Kong and Singapore to reach Europe and vice versa for Chinese travelers [6].

Core Points - India and China will resume direct flights for the first time since the pandemic, with a consensus reached to restore designated routes by October 2025 [1] - IndiGo has announced the first direct flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, 2025, while Air India plans to re-enter the Chinese market [1] - Prior to the resumption, there were discussions about other airlines like Air China and China Eastern Airlines operating routes between major cities [1] Summary by Sections Flight Operations - In 2019, before the pandemic, there were four Chinese carriers operating flights between India and China, with China Eastern Airlines having the largest share at 24.2% [2] - Indian carriers included IndiGo with a 20.8% share, primarily flying from Chengdu to New Delhi and Guangzhou to Kolkata [2] - The most frequent route was from Guangzhou to New Delhi, accounting for 22.9% of the total flights [2] Visa and Trade Policies - Visa policies have been optimized, with India resuming tourist visa issuance to Chinese citizens in July 2023 [2] - In August 2023, foreign ministers from both countries reached a consensus to promote bilateral trade and investment [2] Market Impact - The resumption of direct flights may reshape the Asian aviation market, reducing reliance on transit hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore for travelers between India and Europe or the US [3] - The opening of direct routes is expected to attract Indian travelers through major Chinese cities to international destinations [3]

Core Insights - India and China are set to resume direct flights after a five-year hiatus, marking the first resumption of direct air travel since the pandemic [2] - The agreement allows for the restoration of direct flights between designated points in both countries by the end of October 2025, contingent on commercial decisions by designated airlines [2] - IndiGo has announced the launch of flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, 2025, with Air India also planning to return to the Chinese market [3] Summary by Sections Flight Operations - Prior to the pandemic in October 2019, there were four Chinese carriers operating flights between India and China, with Eastern Airlines having the largest share at 24.2% [4] - Southern Airlines accounted for 22.9%, while Air China and Shandong Airlines had shares of 12.4% and 6.4% respectively [4] - On the Indian side, IndiGo held a 20.8% share, and Air India had an 8.2% share of the market [4] Market Dynamics - The majority of flights were concentrated on routes from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to New Delhi, with the highest volume on the Guangzhou-New Delhi route at 22.9% [4] - The resumption of direct flights is expected to reshape the Asian aviation market, as many Indian travelers previously relied on transit through hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore to reach Europe and the US [5] - The opening of direct routes is anticipated to attract Indian travelers through major Chinese hubs to international destinations [5] Policy Changes - Prior to the resumption of flights, visa policies between the two countries were optimized, with India restoring tourist visa issuance to Chinese citizens in July [4] - In August, foreign ministers from both countries reached a consensus to promote bilateral trade and investment [4]