"India and China will resume direct flights after more than five years as two of the world's biggest economies seek to rebuild political ties at a time of rising global trade uncertainties. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement Thursday that air service with China can start by later this month "subject to commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries" and fulfillment of other operational criteria."
"Passenger flights between India and China were suspended after the COVID-19 pandemic. The connection never resumed after diplomatic relations between the two countries hit a low point in 2020 following border clashes. Travelers between the two neighboring countries currently transit through hubs like Hong Kong or Singapore. Diplomatic ties between the longstanding rivals are on an upswing at a time when U.S. tariffs have added to economic uncertainties in the world's two most populous nations."
"India's largest carrier, IndiGo, said it would resume its flights to China starting Oct. 26 with daily service connecting the eastern Indian city of Kolkata to Guangzhou in southern China. The carrier said it also planned to fly between New Delhi and Guangzhou "shortly." IndiGo's chief executive officer, Pieter Elbers, welcomed the thaw in aviation ties, saying it would help his airline's global growth plans. "With this very important step, we are looking at introducing more direct flights into China," he said in a statement."
India and China will restart direct air services after more than five years, with flights expected to begin later this month pending carrier decisions and operational clearances. Passenger links were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed after 2020 border clashes, forcing travelers to transit via hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Bilateral diplomatic ties have improved amid global trade uncertainties and U.S. tariffs, prompting agreements to facilitate trade and investment. IndiGo plans daily Kolkata-Guangzhou service from Oct. 26 and intends to add New Delhi-Guangzhou flights, with its CEO saying the move supports the airline's global growth plans.
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