Core Points - The restoration of direct flights between China and India is expected to enhance economic and trade relations, providing stability and sustainability to bilateral ties [1][4][8] Group 1: Airline Operations - Indigo Airlines is the first carrier to resume direct flights, starting from October 26, 2023, with a route from Kolkata to Guangzhou, followed by a daily flight from Delhi to Guangzhou starting November 10, 2023 [2][3] - The weekly flight frequency from Guangzhou to India will reach 14 round trips, with ticket sales already initiated [2] - Indian Airlines plans to re-enter the Chinese market by launching direct flights from Delhi to Shanghai by the end of the year [2][3] Group 2: Economic Impact - The direct flights are anticipated to significantly reduce travel time and costs, which had increased by over 40% during the five-year hiatus due to reliance on third-country transit [3][4] - In 2019, there were over 500 flights monthly between the two countries, indicating substantial market potential that remains untapped [3][4] - The bilateral trade volume is projected to reach $138.48 billion in 2024, providing a stable foundation for business travel [4] Group 3: Tourism Sector - The restoration of direct flights is seen as a transformative opportunity for the tourism market, allowing for more competitive pricing and innovative travel products [5][6] - Travel agencies are preparing to launch new tour packages centered around the direct flight offerings, enhancing customer experience and reducing costs [5][6] - The direct flights are expected to facilitate cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between the two nations, benefiting the tourism industry [6][9] Group 4: Geopolitical Context - The resumption of direct flights is viewed as a strategic move to improve bilateral relations amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tensions [3][8] - It reflects a shift in India's perception of China from a competitive stance to one of cooperation, aligning with leaders' consensus on partnership [8][9] - The direct flights are expected to restore trust and facilitate people-to-people connections, which are crucial for long-term bilateral relations [8][9]

Core Points - The restoration of direct flights between China and India, after a five-year hiatus, is expected to enhance economic and trade relations between the two countries, providing stability and sustainability to their bilateral relationship [1][4][11] Group 1: Airline Operations - IndiGo Airlines is the first carrier to resume direct flights, starting from October 26, 2023, with a route from Kolkata to Guangzhou, followed by daily flights from Delhi to Guangzhou starting November 10, 2023 [3][4] - The resumption of direct flights will allow for seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas, strengthening ties between the world's two most populous countries [3][5] - Indian Airlines plans to re-enter the Chinese market by launching direct flights from Delhi to Shanghai by the end of the year [3][4] Group 2: Economic Impact - In 2019, over 500 flights operated monthly between China and India, with a significant passenger volume, indicating a robust market potential that has not been fully realized during the hiatus [4][5] - The bilateral trade volume is projected to reach $138.48 billion in 2024, providing a stable foundation for business travel [5] - The restoration of direct flights is expected to reduce travel time by over 40% and lower costs, enhancing the travel experience and potentially increasing passenger numbers [4][5] Group 3: Tourism Sector - The resumption of direct flights is seen as a transformative opportunity for the tourism market, allowing for the development of competitive travel products and enhancing customer experience [6][8] - Travel agencies are preparing to launch new tour packages centered around direct flights, which are anticipated to attract more tourists [6][8] - The direct flights will facilitate cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between the two nations, promoting economic growth and tourism development [8][10] Group 4: Geopolitical Context - The restoration of direct flights is viewed as a cautious step towards repairing the relationship between China and India amid a complex geopolitical landscape [4][11] - It reflects a shift in India's approach towards China, moving from a competitive stance to one of cooperation, as emphasized by recent diplomatic engagements [11] - The direct flights are expected to enhance political trust and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, which are crucial for long-term bilateral relations [10][11]

Core Points - The resumption of direct flights between China and India, which were suspended since early 2020, is set to occur by the end of October 2023, reflecting a significant improvement in bilateral relations [1][4] - The Indian government views the restoration of direct flights as part of a broader effort to normalize relations with China, with airlines like IndiGo and Air India planning to resume services [2][3] Group 1: Bilateral Relations - The restoration of direct flights is seen as a commitment from both governments to improve bilateral relations, following a period of tension due to border disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic [1][4] - The decision to resume flights comes after high-level discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating a mutual desire to enhance cooperation [3][5] Group 2: Airline Operations - IndiGo has announced the resumption of flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, with tickets already available for purchase [2] - Air India is also planning to return to the Chinese market, indicating a competitive landscape for air travel between the two nations [3] Group 3: Economic and Cultural Impact - The resumption of direct flights is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity, support people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen economic cooperation between China and India [6] - Prior to the suspension, over 300,000 Chinese tourists visited India in 2019, but this number drastically fell to around 30,000 in 2023, highlighting the impact of the flight suspension on tourism [6]

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]