China Southern Airlines will resume direct passenger flights between New Delhi and Guangzhou from September 21, bringing back a key air link between India and China after a six-year gap.
The announcement comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
China Southern Resumes Delhi Guangzhou Flights
China Southern Airlines has announced that regular passenger services between Guangzhou and New Delhi will restart from September 21, 2026.
The route had remained suspended for around six years.
Its return will restore a direct connection between the two major cities and provide another travel option for passengers flying between India and China.
The airline said the Guangzhou-New Delhi service will be part of its wider South Asia network, which will include more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes.
Direct India China Flights Get a Major Boost
The resumption of the Guangzhou-New Delhi service comes as direct air connectivity between India and China gradually expands again.
Other airlines have also restarted or introduced direct services on selected India-China routes.
These developments are helping restore passenger connectivity that was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent period of strained bilateral relations.
The return of China Southern’s service gives passengers another direct option for travelling between the two countries, particularly those heading to or from Guangzhou and southern China.
Xi Jinping Visit Adds Significance to Flight Restart
The flight announcement comes at an important moment in India-China relations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on September 12 for the BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to India in seven years.
Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.
The two countries have been working to improve ties after years of tensions following the 2020 border clash.
The restoration of direct flights is therefore significant beyond passenger travel, as improved connectivity can support tourism, business travel and wider people-to-people exchanges.
What the New Delhi Guangzhou Service Means for Travellers
For passengers, the return of the direct route can reduce the need for connecting flights when travelling between New Delhi and Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is an important commercial and manufacturing centre in southern China, while Delhi is a major international aviation hub.
A direct service between the two cities can make travel more convenient for business travellers, tourists and other passengers.
The September 21 restart will also add to the growing number of direct air connections being restored between India and China.
The development comes as both countries seek to gradually rebuild connectivity and engagement.
While wider bilateral issues remain, the return of another direct flight route marks a notable step in restoring normal air links between the two countries.
