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Beijing-Delhi flights resume in big boost to strengthening India-China ties

Air China has resumed its Beijing-Delhi service, according to a news report by Chinese publication Global Times.

Published on: Apr 22, 2026, 15:05:49 IST
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Direct air connectivity between India and China has received a big boost with Air China resuming its Beijing-Delhi service, according to a news report by Chinese publication Global Times.

File image of an Air China plane is seen at the international airport in Beijing (REUTERS)
File image of an Air China plane is seen at the international airport in Beijing (REUTERS)

The airline was scheduled to restart its direct route between Beijing and Delhi from Tuesday, marking the second route to India to resume by Chinese carriers this month.

Global Times reported the service will operate three times a week (on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), using an Airbus 330 aircraft. Economy class fares are expected to start from 3,570 yuan (USD 523), with departures scheduled at 3:15 pm and arrivals in Delhi at 8:20 pm (local time).

Other India-China flights

The development comes days after the recent resumption of flights by China Eastern Airlines, which restarted its direct service between Kunming and Kolkata on April 18.

"This was the carrier's latest expansion of its China-India route network following the resumption of the Shanghai-Delhi route in November 2025," the news report noted.

China Eastern Airlines added that the Kunming-Kolkata route, operating six weekly round-trip flights with Boeing 737 aircraft, is expected to enhance convenience for travel and cooperation between the two countries.

Previously, IndiGo announced the launch of its daily direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, China, starting November 10, 2025. The route is operated using IndiGo's Airbus A320 aircraft.

The announcement followed the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) confirmation of the resumption of direct flights between India and China.

In March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said India, China relations have embarked on a "correct path" of improvement, and their shared interests far outweigh differences,

Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-India relations have embarked on a correct path of improvement and development, PTI news agency quoted as saying Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).

Facing a complex and turbulent international situation, China is willing to work with India to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, uphold the principle of viewing each other as development opportunities rather than threats and treat each other as partners rather than competitors, he said during a farewell call on the outgoing Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nayanika Sengupta

Nayanika is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, with over six years of experience in the digital media industry. She specialises in delivering clear, insightful coverage across general, national, and international beats, with a strong focus on breaking news and in-depth explainers. Known for her ability to decode complex developments, she enjoys unpacking layered political and policy issues into accessible, reader-friendly narratives that inform without overwhelming. She has previously worked in India's leading newsrooms, including India Today, News18, and Outlook, where she chased news, covered major events of the past six years and led teams. With a Master's degree in Political Science, Nayanika has a keen interest in international relations and global affairs. Her academic grounding shapes her analytical approach to stories, enabling her to connect the dots between domestic events and broader geopolitical currents. She is particularly drawn to stories that require context, nuance, and clarity - turning complicated subjects into compelling reads. Outside the newsroom, Nayanika is a passionate gourmand who loves cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. When she's not writing or tracking the latest headlines, she can often be found exploring local markets for fresh ingredients, seeking inspiration for her next culinary experiment.

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