Air China restarts direct Delhi–Beijing service after pandemic pause

Air China has resumed its non-stop service between New Delhi and Beijing, restoring a key air corridor between the two capitals after years of disruption triggered by the pandemic and subsequent bilateral tensions.

The airline will operate three flights a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, according to The Morning Voice. The resumption marks a step towards rebuilding direct connectivity between India and China, which had remained constrained since 2020.

Route revival gathers pace

The return of the Delhi–Beijing service comes amid a broader reopening of aviation links between the two countries. In recent weeks, China Eastern Airlines restarted flights between Kunming and Kolkata and expanded services following the relaunch of the Shanghai–Delhi route in late 2025.

Indian carriers have also increased their presence. IndiGo has introduced daily direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai, resumed Kolkata–Guangzhou operations and launched a Delhi–Guangzhou route. The airline has recorded passenger load factors of 68 to 85 per cent on these routes, indicating steady demand.

Demand driven by trade and travel

Industry observers say the rise in flight activity reflects improving demand linked to trade, tourism and business travel. According to The Morning Voice, the enhanced connectivity is expected to ease the movement of professionals, particularly across technology and manufacturing sectors, while helping reduce supply chain costs.

The increase in services also points to a gradual stabilisation in bilateral ties, which had weighed on aviation links in recent years.

Role of major carriers

Air China remains central to the restoration of connectivity. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Beijing, the airline is part of the Star Alliance network and operates an extensive international route system. Its hub at Beijing Capital International Airport serves as a key gateway for global traffic.

Alongside China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, it forms a core part of China’s aviation sector and plays a significant role in facilitating international travel and economic engagement.

Improving policy backdrop

The revival of flights coincides with signs of a thaw in India–China relations. Recent policy adjustments, including India easing certain restrictions on Chinese investments, have been viewed as steps towards resetting economic ties after a prolonged period of strain.

With airlines on both sides expanding operations, direct connectivity between India and China is gradually returning. While capacity remains below pre-pandemic levels, the restart of key routes such as Delhi–Beijing signals a measured recovery that could strengthen bilateral engagement in the months ahead.