China Southern to resume Guangzhou–Delhi flights on Sep 21 after six-year suspension

New Delhi: 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 and marking the airline’s return to the Indian market.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.Daily flights between Delhi and GuangzhouChina Southern will operate one daily round trip between Indira Gandhi International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. According to Global Times, 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 service will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft, including the 737-8/MAX 8 series.Third major Chinese airlineThe resumption makes China Southern the third major Chinese carrier to restore flights to India, following China Eastern Airlines and Air China.China Eastern has already resumed services connecting Shanghai and Delhi, besides operating the Kunming-Kolkata route. Air China restarted its Beijing-Delhi service in April 2026.Indian airlines have also been gradually restoring and expanding connectivity with Chinese destinations.Six-year suspension endsDirect air links between India and China were 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.The gradual return of direct flights comes against the backdrop of efforts to improve India-China relations and increase people-to-people contact.The latest announcement also 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.Boost for trade and tourismChina Southern said the resumed service is expected to support bilateral trade, tourism, student travel and broader people-to-people exchanges between India and China.According to India Today, following the restart, the airline expects to operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes in South Asia.Chinese President Xi Jinping Heads To India For BRICS Summit, Set For Bilateral Meeting With PM Narendra Modi 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 available for bookingThe 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 after years of limited options for travellers.

China Southern Airlines will resume regular passenger services on the Guangzhou-New Delhi route from September 21, ending a six-year suspension. The move comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit.

India and China have this year progressively restarted air services after they were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions post the Doklam and Galwan standoffs.

The announcement came ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India for the Brics summit. The airline said the resumption would take its total operations across eight round-trip routes in South Asia to more than 100 flights a week. The Guangzhou-New Delhi service had been suspended for six years.

Guangzhou: Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit China Southern Airlines announced on Saturday that it will resume regular passenger services on the Guangzhou-New Delhi route starting September 21, reported Global Times.This marks the relaunch of China Southern's India service after a six-year suspension. Following the restart, the airline will run over 100 weekly flights across its eight round-trip routes in South Asia, the carrier said.Earlier in April, direct air connectivity between India and China got a boost after Air China resumed its Beijing-Delhi service. The airline restarted its direct route between Beijing and Delhi from marking the second route to India to resume by Chinese carriers. The move followed resumption of flights by China Eastern Airlines, which restarted its direct service between Kunming and Kolkata on April 18.Also read | Govt, DGCA keeping close watch on financials, operations of SpiceJet: Civil Aviation Minister NaiduEarlier on March 30, IndiGo commenced its inaugural daily, nonstop service between Kolkata and Shanghai, marking another significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between India and the People's Republic of China.The launch built on IndiGo's recent expansion in China, including the successful reinstatement of flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou and the subsequent start of operations from Delhi.The announcement followed the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) confirmation of the resumption of direct flights between India and China, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the tensions post the Doklam and Galwan standoffs.Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Saturday for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Xinhua reported. President Xi will hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi later on Saturday.The Chinese President Xi's entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese news agency said.According to a Xinhua report Xi Jinping is expected to advance proposals on Global South cooperation at the BRICS summit much as he did during the SCO Summit in Bikshek.BRICS has emerged as a key platform for coordinating economic policy among major emerging economies. It serves as the principal forum where these nations shape a common position on global governance. Through sustained dialogue, it has become a channel for advancing the interests of the Global South within multilateral institutions. Its agenda spans development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges. The grouping reflects the growing economic weight and aspirations of emerging economies globally. It provides members with a platform to share experiences and address common challenges.