India and China are considering resuming direct passenger flights as part of efforts to strengthen air connectivity. Discussions between the nations, led by high-ranking officials including India’s Union Civil Aviation Minister and a Chinese delegation, focused on revitalizing civil aviation cooperation. The initiative, highlighted by Minister Naidu, aims to swiftly restore scheduled flights. While the final decision awaits consultations with key stakeholders, the prospect of renewing these vital air links signifies a positive step towards enhanced collaboration between the two countries post-Covid disruptions.
In a promising move towards bolstering air connectivity between two major Asian nations, India and China are contemplating the revival of direct passenger flights. This discussion unfolded during a pivotal meeting on Thursday, held on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in the Capital, where both countries deliberated on strategies to rejuvenate and enhance collaboration within the civil aviation sector.
The high-level meeting featured India’s Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, alongside key officials, engaging with a prominent Chinese delegation led by Song Zhiyong, the Party Secretary of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Sharing insights from the event, Minister Naidu took to his X page to underscore the primary agenda of reinforcing civil aviation ties between the two nations, with a specific emphasis on facilitating the prompt resumption of scheduled passenger flights. The proactive stance adopted by both parties signals a shared eagerness to reignite air travel between India and China.
Highlighting China's proactive stance, Minister Naidu disclosed that the proposition to resume flights originated from the Chinese delegation. While a definitive decision is pending, discussions are slated to involve the Union Ministry of External Affairs and various stakeholders before a conclusive resolution is reached.
The disruption in direct passenger flight services between India and China, stemming from the onset of the Covid pandemic, saw Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo temporarily suspending operations on this route. However, with collaborative efforts and constructive dialogues underway, the prospects for reinstating these crucial air links appear promising, heralding a potential era of renewed connectivity and cooperation between the two nations.
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