India and China’s plan to restore direct flights after a gap of five years is expected to revive tourism and business travel between the two Asian giants, with potential knock-on benefits for neighbouring economies.
Flights were suspended in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic and, apart from a handful of repatriation services, never resumed even after travel restrictions were lifted. Relations deteriorated further following the deadly Galwan Valley border clash in June that year, but recent months have shown tentative signs of rapprochement.
India restarted issuing visas to Chinese citizens last month, while Beijing reopened access for Indian pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
“The resumption of direct flights between India and China is expected to significantly boost tourism potential between the two countries,” said Jyoti Mayal, chair of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council and former president of the Travel Agents Association of India. “It will also encourage business travel and corporate events, supporting both economies,” she told the South China Morning Post newspaper.
Mayal noted that direct flights would cut travel time and costs, making cross-border trips more attractive. With Chinese tourists historically among the world’s biggest spenders and Indian travellers rapidly becoming a major source market, the scope for cooperation was substantial, she added.
Analysts also point out that shifting global trade dynamics, particularly in the wake of steep US tariffs, have given India and China fresh incentives to improve ties.
Flight services are expected to resume within a month, with an announcement expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Tianjin at the end of August for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The two governments are also expected to update their air services agreement, although it is unclear whether a fresh framework will be finalised or an existing one amended.
Initial demand is expected to be driven by business and official travellers, but tourism interest is strong, including among Chinese tourists keen to explore Kolkata’s historic Chinatown.
Before the suspension, Chinese carriers such as China Southern, China Eastern and Air China operated services to India, while Air India and SpiceJet flew to Chinese cities. Industry executives expect these routes to restart, with new services likely to be added in phases.
Tourism flows, however, will depend on seat capacity, ticket pricing and tailored products for both markets. The group travel segment will take longer to recover, though.
Both sides are also eyeing broader opportunities for cooperation in travel and tourism marketing, with Mayal calling for joint campaigns to showcase “unique attractions and experiences” in each country.
Subhash Goyal, chairman of the aviation and tourism committee at the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We are two very large economies. If we open up trade and tourism between India and China, the whole of Asia stands to benefit.”