China, India Agree to Resume Direct Commercial Flights After Five Years

In a significant diplomatic development, China and India have agreed to resume direct commercial flights for the first time in five years. This marks a key moment in the improvement of relations between the two countries, the world's most populous nations.

The suspension of flights began at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, and tensions between the two countries, particularly along their contested border, further delayed the resumption. The announcement came following a meeting in Beijing between India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, and Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on Monday.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the two countries had reached a consensus "in principle" to resume air services. The final details are expected to be worked out soon. In addition to the resumption of flights, China also agreed to reopen Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet to Indian pilgrims. These sites hold great religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners and have long been popular pilgrimage destinations.

The suspension of flights was not the only issue between India and China in recent years. In June 2020, a violent border clash occurred, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 soldiers. Despite ongoing border tensions and a lengthy disengagement process, the countries have recently made efforts to reduce tensions, including a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS summit in Russia last October.

Currently, there are direct flights between India and Hong Kong, but direct air services to mainland China have been absent since the pandemic. The resumption of commercial flights will ease travel for both tourists and business people, with passengers previously having to transit through other destinations like Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur, significantly extending travel times.

The announcement has been met with excitement from travelers, especially those who have long awaited the opportunity to visit each other’s countries. On Chinese social media, some users expressed relief, recalling their plans to visit India in early 2020 before the pandemic disrupted travel. With Holi, the colorful Indian festival, approaching in March, some are hoping the resumed flights will make attending the event possible. Indian students in China, who have struggled with the long layovers and high costs of indirect flights, have also welcomed the news as a chance to visit their families more often and with less hassle.