India has reportedly refused Beijing’s requests to allow Chinese carriers to resume passenger flights between the two countries, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the world’s most populous nations. These tensions, exacerbated by a 2020 border skirmish that resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers, have led to significant restrictions on bilateral activities, including the suspension of passenger flights.
The 2020 clash along a Himalayan mountain ridge, coupled with the global pandemic, provided India an opportunity to halt all passenger flights between the nations. While international travel has largely resumed to pre-pandemic levels, India continues to resist Beijing’s calls to reopen these routes.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, India’s largest airline, mentioned that airlines in both countries are in talks with their respective governments. He stated that IndiGo would “assess the market” if flights were to become possible again. At its peak, there were 539 scheduled flights between India and China, with the majority operated by Chinese airlines.
Beijing has made multiple requests to India’s civil aviation authority to resume flights since lifting its pandemic measures in 2023. A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement confirmed the government’s eagerness to restart passenger flights. However, a senior Indian official involved in bilateral matters stated that improvements in the relationship, including the resumption of flights, hinge on resolving border tensions.
Direct passenger flights could benefit both economies, particularly aiding China’s slow recovery in international travel post-COVID-19. India’s aviation sector, on the other hand, is experiencing rapid growth. Despite these potential benefits, India’s stringent stance reflects the broader geopolitical context.
Since the 2020 clash, India has imposed restrictions on Chinese investments, banned numerous Chinese apps, and maintained the suspension of passenger air routes, although cargo flights have continued. The resumption of direct flights would significantly reduce travel times between the countries, which currently require layovers in hubs like Hong Kong, Dubai, or Singapore, thus benefiting carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.
IndiGo’s Elbers indicated that the airline is ready to assess the market when governments reach a mutual understanding. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson also acknowledged the potential of direct flights but noted that current geopolitical factors are beyond the airlines’ control.
In summary, while resuming direct flights presents considerable economic opportunities, the unresolved border disputes, and overall geopolitical climate remain significant obstacles. The broader relationship between India and China remains on hold until there is peace and stability along their shared border.
