India and China will resume direct air flights after more than a five-year hiatus as the two largest economies work to restore political ties amid growing trade uncertainty.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday in its statement that air communication with China could begin at the end of this month, depending on the "commercial decision of the designated carriers from both countries" and the fulfillment of other operational requirements.
IndiGo, the largest airline in India, has already expressed its readiness to start flights between the two countries as soon as permission is granted. Air India is also expected to resume flights on these routes.
Direct passenger flights between India and China were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic and remained blocked due to political tensions between the countries.
Prior to the suspension, Air India and IndiGo operated flights between the countries along with Chinese carriers, including Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, connecting major cities in both countries.
