diff --git a/migration/migration.c b/migration/migration.c
index 8ef6d6c412..f9053b07dd 100644
--- a/migration/migration.c
+++ b/migration/migration.c
@@ -1814,7 +1814,11 @@ static void *migration_thread(void *opaque)
 
     qemu_savevm_state_header(s->to_dst_file);
 
-    if (s->to_dst_file) {
+    /*
+     * If we opened the return path, we need to make sure dst has it
+     * opened as well.
+     */
+    if (s->rp_state.from_dst_file) {
         /* Now tell the dest that it should open its end so it can reply */
         qemu_savevm_send_open_return_path(s->to_dst_file);