India, China may resume direct flights next month

India and China may resume direct flights as early as next month, people familiar with the talks said, as both nations seek to reset ties.

Indian carriers have been asked to prepare services at short notice, with an announcement likely around the SCO summit in China later in Aug.

Passenger flights were halted after Covid pandemic, forcing travelers to route via hubs like Hong Kong or Singapore.


The move comes as India's ties with the US face strain amid a tariff war. On Monday, Air India said it would suspend its Washington DC service next month citing "operational factors." Relations between India and China soured after 2020 border clashes but have eased with India recently allowing tourist visas for Chinese nationals. Before the suspension, Air India, IndiGo, Air China, China Southern and China Eastern operated direct services. Both Air India and IndiGo are expected to restart China flights, though the exact timing remains uncertain.