Direct flights between India and China have officially resumed in October 2025 after a five-year break

Direct flights between India and China have officially resumed in October 2025 after a five-year break, marking a major milestone for travelers and businesses alike. This development revives much-needed connectivity for students, tourists, traders, and families, and is expected to spark new opportunities in travel, commerce, and cultural exchange.​

India-China Direct Flights Are Back: What Travelers Need to Know

After half a decade marked by global disruptions and diplomatic challenges, direct flights are now operational between major Indian and Chinese cities. On October 26, 2025, IndiGo launched its Kolkata–Guangzhou route, offering daily service operated by Airbus A320neo aircraft. Shanghai–Delhi flights, run by China Eastern Airlines, commence on November 9, and direct Delhi–Guangzhou services are scheduled to follow from November 10.​

This means travelers no longer need to rely on complex and lengthy layovers in third countries—air connectivity has returned, making business trips, study abroad journeys, and family reunions significantly easier and faster.dailysabah+1​

Why This Matters for Indian Travelers and Businesses

• The restoration of these routes is more than convenient: it reflects an improved diplomatic landscape and growing cooperation between Asia’s two largest economies.​

• Students enrolling at Chinese universities, business professionals attending trade fairs, and tourists exploring China’s vibrant cities can now enjoy a direct, hassle-free travel experience.​

For visa clients, expedited access to China means faster documentation turnaround and smoother itineraries. Beyond Travels can leverage these new routes to provide end-to-end support: from securing Chinese visas to last-mile travel arrangements, ensuring each journey is seamless and time-efficient.​

Latest Flight Schedule and Fares

• Kolkata–Guangzhou: Daily nonstop service by IndiGo, evening departures for peak convenience.​

• Delhi–Guangzhou: Daily direct flights begin November 10, 2025, with a flight duration of approximately 4 hours 35 minutes and fares starting near ₹19,600 in economy as of early November booking rates.​

• Shanghai–Delhi: China Eastern Airlines operates this vital route from November 9, with three flights scheduled per week.​

Refer to Beyond Travels Team for real-time ticket availability, fare updates, and personalized travel guidance to maximize your journey to China.​

What Sparked the Change?

Direct air connectivity was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak, followed by several years of tense border relations. Since late 2024, high-level talks and military disengagement agreements have paved the way for normalization, with both countries agreeing that people-to-people exchange is key to regional progress. The reinstatement of direct flights is the most visible symbol of these efforts.​

Opportunities for Travelers in 2025

• Tourists can now plan leisure trips combining the heritage of India and the dynamism of Chinese cities—Guangzhou, Shanghai, and more.​

• Traders and business delegates save critical time and can participate in annual expos and fairs with greater ease.

• Students benefit from direct access to Chinese universities just ahead of academic intakes.

How Beyond Travels Can Help

As a trusted IATA | TICO -certified travel consultancy, Beyond Travels is ready to help you navigate the renewed India–China air corridor. Partner with our team for:​

• Fast, accurate visa application processing for China

• Flight bookings on all direct India–China routes at competitive fares

• Personalized travel itineraries—including hotels, insurance, and transfers—to make your trip enjoyable and worry-free

Contact Beyond Travels Team for tailored support or reach out directly to our travel consultants for updates as new routes and travel policies emerge.

Whether you’re planning a crucial business visit, an educational journey, or a family reunion, the restored India–China direct flights now make every journey that much simpler. With Beyond Travels, you can be sure of a smooth, informed, and rewarding travel experience every step of the way.