Imagine planning a trip from Delhi to Beijing, only to face a 12-hour slog with a layover in Singapore. That’s been the reality since 2020, when India and China halted direct flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Galwan Valley clash. Now, relief is in sight. The two nations have agreed to restart direct flights as early as September 2025, a move finalised after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi.

For you, this means no more marathon layovers. A direct flight will cut your travel time to six hours and could save you 15-25% on fares. Whether you’re a business traveller, student, or tourist, this is a game-changer for global travel.

Diplomacy Paves the Way

Imagine Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepping down from an aircraft in Tianjin for the SCO summit from August 31 to September 1. It will be his first visit to China in seven years, and he will be very eager to meet President Xi Jinping to build upon recent improvements. The SCO is, therefore, a perfect platform to cement the India-China direct flights.

The pact is the fruit of dialogue between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wang Yi, wherein both parties agreed on an update of the Air Services Agreement. This came on the heels of the great October 2024 meet in Kazan, Russia, between Modi and Xi on border tensions. The agreement includes resuming border trade and easing visa restrictions on Chinese tourists.

What does this mean for you? A smoother journey to China, backed by a thawing in bilateral relations.

The Numbers Behind the Flights

Before 2020, over 572,000 passengers flew between India and China annually, with 2,588 flights—about seven daily. The suspension forced travellers like you to reroute through hubs like Hong Kong, adding hours and costs. With the restart confirmed to take place in September 2025, the limelight will be on routes such as Delhi-Beijing and Delhi-Shanghai.

• Travel Time Saved: A direct Delhi-Beijing flight lasts 6 hours, while through third countries takes anywhere between 10 and 12 hours. 
• Passenger Impact: Over one million Chinese tourists visited India in 2019, and the numbers are said to bounce back.
• Airline Readiness: Air India and IndiGo are gearing up, with Chinese carriers like Air China likely to follow.

Think of a Mumbai student heading to Shanghai for university. Instead of a draining layover, they’ll board a direct flight, saving time and energy. Are you ready to book your next trip?

Boosting India-China Trade

The India-China direct flights aren’t just about travel. It’s a lifeline for India-China trade, valued at $135 billion in 2024. Border trade, paused since 2020, will resume at Himalayan points, and China has agreed to share hydrological data on transboundary rivers.

For businesses, this is huge. Direct flights mean faster supply chain decisions. A Delhi exporter I know once lost a deal due to delayed shipments via indirect routes. With air connectivity restored, you can meet clients in Beijing or Shanghai without the hassle. In 2019, cargo movement between the two nations hit 30,000 tonnes annually—expect that to grow.

How can your business tap into these markets? The opportunities are vast in Asia’s two largest economies.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Role

The SCO Summit 2025 is not just another diplomatic summit. With China already chairing the SCO, it is using its leadership role to purposefully cultivate deeper working ties among the member states of India, Russia, and Pakistan. Modi’s presence at the summit demonstrates India’s resolve for regional cooperation while maintaining strategic autonomy.

The summit may also witness a formal declaration of the actual schedules as per the implementation of the Air Services Agreement. Clear flight schedules mean clear knowledge of where and when to fly. So keep an eye out for updates from Tianjin; your very travel plans are dependent on it.

Navigating Potential Hurdles

Not much was sunny about starting flights again. The earlier attempts faced failure in early 2025, owing to continuing tension post the 2020 Galwan clash, where 20 Indian troops and at least four Chinese troops died. Other geopolitical intricacies, such as the souring of Indian relations toward the US over buying Russian oil, add to the uncertainty.

But then again, both countries remain committed. The agreement to resume tourist visas and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra signal progress. Still, the exact schedule remains fluid. What’s your backup plan if delays hit? Flexibility is key.

Practical Tips for Travellers

You’re ready to fly direct, but how do you prepare? Here’s a checklist for you.

• Track Airline Updates: In any case, keep an eye on the routings of Air India, IndiGo, and the Chinese carriers, and sign up for fare alerts.
• Plan for September: Book tentative travel for late 2025, around the SCO Summit 2025.
• Keep Flexibility: Keep alternative routings via Singapore and Hong Kong ready in case it gets delayed.
• Business Moves: Engagements by any UK brand should necessarily include trying to work with trade councils on India-China trade opportunities.

A friend once missed a Shanghai trade fair due to a 14-hour layover. Direct flights would’ve saved his deal. Don’t let that happen to you.

A Broader Impact on Bilateral Relations

The India-China direct flights are part of a larger reset. Since the 2020 clashes, both nations have worked to rebuild trust. The October 2024 border de-escalation agreement was a start, followed by revived dialogue mechanisms and trade relaxations.

For the traveller, this means more than just flights. Gaining easier access to markets valued at $21.5 trillion combined is another element to engage in. The opening of cultural exchanges like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also offers a human face. How are you going to initiate interactions in this new chapter?

What’s Next for Air Connectivity

With daily flights expected on major routes, air connectivity between India and China is set to soar. The airline industry is abuzz with the type of confidence expressed by IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers! These flights will focus mainly on hubs such as Delhi and Shanghai, though further cities may be included. 

• Economic Impact: Trade could grow by 5-10% with faster logistics. 
• Tourism Impact: Increase in passengers expected: approximately 20% within the first year, as per the 2019 forecast. 
• Worldwide Impact: With travel, UK passengers and brands can access the markets of Asia.

Seize the Opportunity

The resumption of direct flights between India and China, tied to the SCO Summit 2025, is a milestone in global travel and bilateral relations. It’s your chance to reconnect with markets, cultures, and opportunities. This must matter to you. Were you purchasing a ticket or expanding the brand?

• Keep Up-to-Date: Stay tuned for announcements on flight schedules for the SCO Summit.
• Be Swift: Early rates or partnerships need to be locked down before demand skyrockets.
• Think Big: Consider this an opportunity to take a look at India-China trade.