Direct Flights Between India and China Are Back After a Nearly Five-Year Freeze:

In a significant move that marks a cautious thaw in relations, direct flights between India and China are set to resume, breaking a nearly five-year-long silence in the skies between the two nations.

State-owned China Eastern Airlines has announced it will restart its direct flight service between Shanghai and Delhi beginning November 9 This is a landmark development, as there have been no direct commercial flights between the two countries since they were suspended in early 2020.The suspension was initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was prolonged by the deep chill in diplomatic relations following the deadly border clashes in the Galwan Valley.

For years, the absence of direct air links has been a major headache for students, business travelers, and families, forcing them into long and expensive journeys. Travelers had to take roundabout routes, with layovers in places like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Dubai, turning a six-hour trip into a day-long ordeal.

The resumption of flights is seen as a major step toward normalizing travel and trade. The move follows recent diplomatic discussions, including a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at improving ties.

Besides China Eastern, Indian carriers are also stepping up. IndiGo, India's largest airline, has already announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26, with plans for a Delhi-Guangzhou route as well.Air India is also expected to resume its services to China, likely starting with the Delhi-Shanghai route by the end of 2025.

While this is undoubtedly a huge relief for travelers and a positive sign for bilateral exchanges, it's just the first step in rebuilding a connection that has been dormant for years. For the thousands of people who rely on this crucial travel corridor, however, it's a long-awaited and welcome return to normalcy.