India and China’s planned resumption of direct flights after five years is expected to revive tourism and business travel between the two regional powers and potentially boost neighbouring economies, raising hopes of a thaw in relations after years of economic and security friction.
Flights between the two countries were halted during the pandemic in 2020 and, except for a few repatriation flights, never resumed even after New Delhi and Beijing lifted Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Relations between the two countries hit a nadir following a border clash between troops in June 2020 in the Galwan Valley, but in recent months there have been signs of a rapprochement.
India resumed issuing visas to Chinese citizens last month, while China recently reopened access for Indian pilgrims to perform the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra trek.
The journey is regarded as offering salvation by Hindus, and is also considered important in Buddhism and Jainism.
“The resumption of direct flights between India and China is expected to significantly boost tourism potential between the two countries,” Jyoti Mayal, chairwoman of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council and former president of Travel Agents Association of India, told This Week in Asia.
