BEIJING (Oct 9) — China on Thursday welcomed the resumption of direct flights with India after a five-year suspension, calling it a positive step toward improving bilateral relations and implementing the understandings reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.
At the first regular media briefing following China’s eight-day national holiday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the move reflected that both sides were “faithfully acting” on their shared commitment to strengthen cooperation and restore people-to-people exchanges.
“The resumption of direct flights between China and India is a positive step. It demonstrates the willingness of both countries to enhance exchanges and promote mutual understanding,” Guo said.
The announcement comes after India confirmed on October 2 that direct flights to China will resume from October 26, ending a break that began in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air connectivity between the two countries was halted following the outbreak and further delayed due to ongoing diplomatic and border tensions. The restoration of flights is being viewed as a confidence-building measure amid efforts to stabilise ties.