Asia Reconnects: Flights resume across India-China and China-North Korea routes

In a sign of renewed regional connectivity and easing post-pandemic restrictions, flight services across key Asian corridors are steadily resuming, reflecting both economic revival and shifting diplomatic dynamics.

China’s flag carrier, Air China, on Monday resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang, marking the restoration of air travel after a suspension since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move follows the recent resumption of passenger train services on March 12. North Korea had imposed strict border controls during the pandemic but is now gradually reopening, allowing limited foreign tourist entry.

Separately, India–China aviation links are also witnessing a revival. India’s leading carrier, IndiGo, launched a daily flight connecting Shanghai with Kolkata, strengthening ties between eastern India and eastern China. The route makes Kolkata the second Indian metro, after New Delhi, to be directly linked with Shanghai.

Officials say the new route is expected to boost trade, tourism, and regional development , particularly in India’s northeast. It also builds on historical ties between the two cities, highlighted by visits from Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in the early 20th century.

Air connectivity between India and China had remained suspended due to the pandemic and prolonged border tensions. Following diplomatic engagements between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping, relations have shown signs of normalisation , with both sides resuming flights and visa services.

With airlines such as Air India and China Eastern also restarting operations, the revival of air corridors underscores a broader regional reopening and cautious diplomatic thaw.