India and China will restart direct passenger flights in late October 2025, five years after services were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing tensions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the move as a major step toward normalizing bilateral ties. Discussions earlier this year included resuming flights and updating air service agreements. Designated airlines from both countries will operate under the winter schedule. Officials say the decision will boost people-to-people connectivity and help restore bilateral exchanges.