Air travel between India and China is slowly getting back on track. Air China has announced it will restart direct flights between Beijing and New Delhi, a move many see as another step toward normal travel ties between the two countries.

The update was shared by Yu Jing, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, who described the restart as something that goes beyond travel and signals improving connectivity.

For travellers, this means one important thing: more direct flight options between two of Asia’s largest markets are finally returning after years of disruption.

✈️ Air China resuming direct flights between Beijing & Delhi = more than just travel! 🛫🌏

It's Trade 📦 Tourism 🏯🕌 Trust 🤝 — and a BIG green light 🟢 for SCO & BRICS people-to-people cooperation! 🇨🇳🤝🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/E3sisBJdyb

— Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) <a href=" 21, 2026

More Direct Flights Expected Between India and China

Air China will not be the only airline expanding routes between the two countries.

IndiGo has also announced plans to introduce direct flights between New Delhi and Shanghai, which would make it the third airline flying this route.

Earlier this year, Air India restarted its Delhi–Shanghai flights from February 1, bringing back a route that had been paused for around six years.

Meanwhile, China Eastern resumed Shanghai–Delhi services in November last year, marking one of the first signs of improving aviation links.

Together, these developments suggest that air travel demand between India and China is gradually returning, especially for business travellers, students, and tourists.

Why Flights Were Suspended for Years

Direct flights between the two countries were largely paused after tensions increased following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, a serious border conflict that led to casualties on both sides.

Since then, travel connections remained limited, with only slow progress toward restoring regular air links.

Diplomatic talks over the past two years have helped ease tensions. In 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, where both sides agreed to work on improving relations.

In 2025, PM Modi visited China for the first time in six years, continuing discussions on trade and cooperation.

What This Means for Travellers

The return of more direct flights usually brings practical benefits:

• Shorter travel time compared to connecting flights
• Lower ticket prices as airline competition increases
• Better connectivity for business, tourism, and education
• More flexible travel schedules

While flight frequencies may still be limited initially, the overall trend shows gradual normalisation of travel between India and China.

For travellers planning trips to Beijing or Shanghai, the coming months could offer more convenient options than seen in recent years.

More Routes Could Return Soon

With multiple airlines now reopening routes, aviation experts expect additional flights between major Indian and Chinese cities to be restored gradually.

If demand continues to grow, travellers may soon see more choices not only from Delhi but also from other key cities. For now, the message is clear. India–China air travel is slowly reconnecting, one route at a time.

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