No direct flights between India and mainland China?

[Mattg]

I noticed recently that there doesn't seem to be a single direct flight, currently, between anywhere in India and anywhere in mainland China. For two such large countries, which even share a border, this seems really bizarre. Does anyone know why there isn't even one single flight?

Or have I missed something - is there actually a flight linking the two countries?

 

[jase05]

I noticed recently that there doesn't seem to be a single direct flight, currently, between anywhere in India and anywhere in mainland China. For two such large countries, which even share a border, this seems really bizarre. Does anyone know why there isn't even one single flight?

Or have I missed something - is there actually a flight linking the two countries?

Flights were stopped during Covid and haven’t restarted again. I believe the two governments are working on something to get direct flights started again

 

[RooFlyer]

Just checked flightconnections.com. No, can’t find any flights between the two countries or at least mainland China.

Hong Kong, yes. I can’t see why the PRC would allow flights from Hong Kong and not the mainland.

 

[elanshin]

I would say there's a fair few factors.
No tourism demand. Chinese don't want to visit India, Indians don't want to visit China.
There are also very little diaspora in both countries.

So coming out of covid, India is pretty low on the priority for mainland Chinese airlines rebuilding their network back out as well as politically it's not as friendly as it was precovid.

I find it a relatively fascinating situation. India is rising so China is most definitely looking to capture more of the market, but Chinese people hold subcontinental people in the lowest regard and I can't see any company executive wanting to visit India outside of the biggest event or launch. It's like asking a billionaire to go to the slums in their head.

So business travel demand is also very flaky. Over time this will likely change as India continues to develop over the next 2 decades.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Though, SIN Changi is an easy airport to transit, if you have to fly being DEL/other airports and airports in China.
Or KUL if you like the OW alliance of MH, of course, and CX via HKG.

 

[Mattg]

Looks like flights will resume after positive bilateral talks between China and India.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-india-should-commit-mutual-understanding-chinese-foreign-minister-says-2025-01-27/