China Southern Resumes Delhi-Guangzhou Flights September 21

China Southern Airlines is set to resume direct passenger flights between New Delhi and Guangzhou from September 21, 2026, ending a six-year suspension of the route. The airline will operate one daily round trip between Indira Gandhi International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

The restart comes amid a gradual revival of direct air connectivity between India and China, with bilateral ties showing signs of improvement and airlines from both countries restoring services between major cities. China Southern will join China Eastern Airlines and Air China in restoring flights to India.

Daily flights between Delhi and Guangzhou will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft, including the 737-8/MAX 8 series. Flight CZ359 from Guangzhou is scheduled to depart at around 3:35 pm and arrive in New Delhi at approximately 7 pm. The return flight, CZ360, is expected to leave Delhi at around 8 pm to 8:20 pm and reach Guangzhou at approximately 4:15 am the following day.

The resumption of flights between India and China was largely suspended around 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently remained disrupted during a period of strained bilateral relations following tensions along the border. However, with efforts to improve India-China relations and increase people-to-people contact, direct flights are gradually returning.

The latest announcement coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India for the BRICS Summit, adding significance to the restoration of the air link between the two countries. China Southern said the resumed service is expected to support bilateral trade, tourism, student travel and broader people-to-people exchanges between India and China.

The direct Delhi-Guangzhou connection is also expected to provide passengers with a more convenient link to southern China and improve travel options for business travellers, tourists and students. Tickets for the Delhi-Guangzhou flights are available for booking ahead of the September 21 restart.

With China Southern joining China Eastern and Air China in restoring India services, the revival of direct routes is expected to further strengthen air connectivity between the two countries. The airline expects to operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes in South Asia.

The resumption of flights is a significant development in the improvement of India-China relations and is expected to have a positive impact on trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. As the two nations continue to work towards improving their bilateral ties, the restoration of direct air connectivity is a crucial step in the right direction.

In conclusion, the resumption of China Southern Airlines' Delhi-Guangzhou flights marks a significant milestone in the improvement of India-China relations and is expected to have a positive impact on trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. With the gradual revival of direct air connectivity, passengers can look forward to more convenient and efficient travel options between India and China.

The development is also expected to boost trade and tourism between the two countries, with the direct Delhi-Guangzhou connection providing a more convenient link to southern China. As India and China continue to work towards improving their bilateral ties, the restoration of direct air connectivity is a crucial step in the right direction.

Overall, the resumption of China Southern Airlines' Delhi-Guangzhou flights is a significant development that is expected to have a positive impact on India-China relations and is a crucial step in the right direction.