The recent resumption of India China direct flights marks a turning point for trade, tourism, and bilateral relations between two of Asia’s economic powerhouses. After more than three years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the skies are finally open again — a move welcomed by business leaders, exporters, and travelers alike.
Why Were India China Direct Flights Cancelled After COVID-19?
When COVID-19 struck in early 2020, both India and China introduced strict travel restrictions to contain the outbreak. The cancellation of India China direct flights was caused by:
- Public health concerns over rapidly spreading infections.
- Stringent border control measures to curb imported cases.
- Diplomatic tensions during the pandemic years.
- International aviation restrictions imposed by authorities.
Initially seen as a temporary pause, the suspension lasted years — disrupting travel plans, stalling business negotiations, and impacting trade.
My Personal Experience of Travelling to China
A few years before the pandemic, I had the privilege of traveling from Kolkata to Kunming and then onward from Kunming to Chengdu to attend trade fairs and exhibitions. This was part of my professional journey to explore new opportunities and understand market trends in China.
The trip was nothing short of remarkable. At every stage, I witnessed first-hand the pace of development China has achieved in recent years:
- High-speed trains that connected cities in hours with unmatched punctuality.
- Modern exhibition centers showcasing cutting-edge products in electronics, manufacturing, and green technology.
- Smart city infrastructure with digital payment systems seamlessly integrated into daily life.
The trade fairs themselves were an eye-opener. From innovative industrial machinery to advanced eco-friendly materials, the scale and quality of participation were world-class. Interacting with Chinese entrepreneurs gave me valuable insights into their business efficiency, adaptability, and focus on innovation.
Had India China direct flights been unavailable at the time, such a trip would have been far more complicated and expensive — possibly even unfeasible for many small business owners.
Impact on Businesses During Flight Suspension
The absence of direct connectivity after 2020 created real challenges:
- Longer Journeys: Business travelers had to route via Bangkok, Dubai, or Singapore, adding significant cost and time.
- Trade Delays: Without the ability to visit suppliers and customers directly, negotiations slowed down.
- MSME Struggles: Small exporters and importers relying on quick sourcing trips suffered from production delays and lost deals.
Why MSMEs Were Hit the Hardest
Indian MSMEs in sectors like electronics, textiles, chemicals, and engineering rely heavily on quick and affordable access to China. Flight suspension meant:
- Importing parts and raw materials became slower and costlier.
- Building trust with Chinese clients was harder without face-to-face meetings.
- Many had to seek alternative sourcing markets, often at higher prices.
Business Community’s Reaction to the Resumption
The revival of India China direct flights has been welcomed with optimism. For the business community, this means:
- Faster Deal Closures: Direct travel will restore personal interactions.
- Cost Savings: Lower airfare compared to multi-leg routes.
- Rebuilding Relationships: Easier participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
For me personally, this development brings back memories of my trip — the ease of flying directly, the business opportunities that opened up, and the broader understanding it gave me about China’s technological progress.
Looking Ahead
With the skies open again, there’s hope for stronger trade ties, renewed tourism, and deeper cultural exchanges. For Indian MSMEs, this is not just about travel convenience; it’s about competitiveness in the global marketplace. The resumption of India China direct flights could be the catalyst that re-energizes bilateral trade in the post-pandemic world.
Which Airlines Are Preparing to Restart Flights?
The Indian government has reportedly instructed Air India and IndiGo to prepare for flight operations to China on short notice The Times of IndiaLive From A LoungeNavbharat Times. The official announcement may coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the upcoming SCO summit The Economic TimesHindustan Timeswww.ndtv.com.
Additionally, India recently resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals as of July 24, 2025, another step toward normalizing relations Reuters.
