India and China have agreed to resume direct passenger flights after a five-year suspension, signalling a gradual thaw in bilateral relations and a renewed focus on economic cooperation. The announcement marks a significant development in restoring connectivity between two of Asia’s largest economies.

Air travel between the two countries was halted in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and further disrupted following the deadly border clash in the Galwan Valley that year. Since then, passengers and cargo have been rerouted via third countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, adding substantial time and cost to travel and trade.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the move on Saturday, a day beforer the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating that both governments had agreed to restart direct flight services as relations between the two nations showed signs of improvement. “We are reopening one of Asia’s most important economic corridors,” Modi said, according to reports, adding that the decision would benefit businesses, students, and families across both countries.

Sharing my remarks during meeting with President Xi Jinping. https://t.co/pw1OAMBWdc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025

Also read | PM Modi meets Xi Jinping in Tianjin as SCO Summit gets underway

Before the suspension, traffic between India and China was considerable. Before the Pandemic in the financial year 2019, over 816,000 passengers travelled between the two nations, with Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo operating hundreds of monthly flights alongside Chinese airlines. Cargo movement was also significant, with nearly 30,000 tonnes shipped annually — higher than the cargo volume between India and the US.

The resumption of direct flights is expected to revitalise trade and tourism, as well as support Indian and Chinese companies with firm business ties. For students and professionals who previously relied on complex transit routes, the resumption of direct services will simplify travel and reduce costs.

No official schedule has yet been released, but aviation authorities in both countries are expected to approve routes in the coming weeks. Industry experts predict that carriers will initially resume limited services before expanding based on demand.

The move comes amid broader efforts to stabilise ties between New Delhi and Beijing, with high-level diplomatic engagements resuming and trade volumes gradually recovering. While tensions remain, the restoration of direct air links is being seen as a positive step toward normalising relations.

 

The much-anticipated Purnia airport near the IAF airbase at Chunapur, located 10 km from the district headquarters, is expected to begin commercial flight operations by next month. Under the Centre’s Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (Udan) scheme, direct flights to Delhi and Kolkata will soon be available. Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials confirmed that the new interim terminal building, spanning 3,000 sq m, is 99% complete, with final finishing touches in progress. The facility, built at a cost of INR 34 crore, is scheduled for inauguration on September 15.

The launch coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to inaugurate multiple multi-crore projects for Purnia and neighbouring districts. Engineers reported that civil and interior works on the terminal are already complete, with only minor external finishing pending. Construction began in May and was completed in just four months, offering modern passenger amenities with two boarding gates, two arrival gates, and two departure gates.

The terminal will have the capacity to handle 300 passengers during peak hours and will be decorated with local heritage elements such as Manjusha art. AAI officials said additional facilities, including another conveyor belt and boarding gate, are planned for the future. The airside infrastructure will make use of the Indian Air Force’s runway, which stretches 2,743 metres, enabling operations for larger aircraft.

IndiGo has been selected to operate flights on the two proposed routes to Delhi and Kolkata. The airport’s boundary wall, measuring 1,706.8 metres in length and about eight feet in height, is nearing completion, with plastering and painting works progressing quickly. A one-and-a-half-foot-high concertina wire will also be installed on top for enhanced security.

The Bihar government allocated 67 acres of land for the civil enclave on the southern side of the airbase. Alongside the terminal, the development includes an apron, a connecting taxiway, and designated areas for ground support equipment. These facilities aim to ensure smooth aircraft operations and efficient passenger handling.

Access to the new airport will be improved by a four-lane road measuring 930 metres, constructed at a cost of over INR 14 crore. With the project nearly complete, the opening of Purnia airport is set to significantly boost air travel in the Seemanchal region, improving connectivity for residents and supporting economic growth in Bihar’s northeast districts

 

Mumbai’s much-awaited electric water taxi service is set to begin operations on September 22, promising a faster, cleaner, and more comfortable commute between Gateway of India/Mumbai Ferry Wharf and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The service will replace the existing wooden boats that currently ply the route, cutting travel time from over an hour to less than 40 minutes while offering an eco-friendly alternative.

Bharat Freight Group (BFG), which will manage the operations, has confirmed that two vessels will be introduced in the first phase. One is a hybrid boat powered by solar energy, an electric battery, and a diesel backup, while the other will be fully electric. Both boats can be charged in under an hour, ensuring quick turnaround times for smooth operations. This shift is expected to modernise water-based transport and reduce dependency on fuel-powered vessels.

In the second phase, the fleet will be expanded with four hydrogen-powered boats once the required generators are in place. These vessels will further strengthen Mumbai’s push toward sustainable transportation and align with broader environmental goals. Authorities believe that with this expansion, the water taxi network can become a reliable daily commute option for both office-goers and tourists.

The boats are made of fibre and glass and feature a European design, offering not only improved energy efficiency but also enhanced stability and passenger comfort. This makes them suitable for varied weather conditions and ensures a smoother ride across Mumbai’s busy waterways. The introduction of these vessels marks a significant upgrade over the older fleet in terms of safety and passenger experience.

BFG has also announced plans to expand the service beyond JNPA by adding new routes that will connect South Mumbai to Elephanta Caves, Belapur, Alibaug, and various harbour tourism circuits. This could open up new tourism opportunities and improve connectivity between key coastal destinations in the region.

The launch of Mumbai’s electric water taxi service is being hailed as a milestone in the city’s transport evolution, combining modern technology, environmental responsibility, and improved efficiency. It is expected to ease congestion on roads, offer a scenic travel alternative, and serve as a model for other coastal cities in India looking to modernise their transport infrastructure.