Air China to Resume Beijing-Delhi Flights from April 21, Signals Thaw in Bilateral Ties
Air China is set to resume its direct flight service between Beijing and Delhi starting April 21, 2026, in a significant move that marks a fresh step towards restoring air connectivity between India and China after years of disruption triggered by the pandemic and border tensions. This development comes amid gradual efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilise ties, with aviation links emerging as a key indicator of improving engagement between the two neighbouring nations.
Background of Suspension and Gradual Restoration
Direct flight services between India and China had remained suspended for over four years following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, one of the deadliest military confrontations along the Line of Actual Control in decades. Although flights began to resume in phases from October last year, the restoration of full-scale direct connectivity has been gradual. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier indicated in October 2025 that both sides were working towards normalising aviation services.
Broader Significance and Diplomatic Reactions
Reacting to the resumption, Yu Jing, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, said the move carries broader significance beyond travel. In a post on X, Jing described it as a signal for boosting "trade, tourism and trust" and termed it a "big green light" for strengthening people-to-people exchanges under multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS. Ties between the two countries had remained strained since 2020, impacting not only travel but also trade and diplomatic engagement.
Recent Breakthroughs and Future Prospects
However, a breakthrough came in October 2024 when India and China reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control, a step widely seen as easing tensions. The resumption of Air China's Beijing-Delhi route is now being viewed as part of a broader attempt to rebuild engagement, with connectivity expected to play a key role in facilitating business, tourism, and official exchanges between the two sides. This move underscores the ongoing efforts to mend bilateral relations and foster greater cooperation in the region.
