China Southern Airlines Announces Resumption Of Guangzhou-Delhi Flights Hours Before Modi-Xi Meet

China Southern Airlines has announced the resumption of passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi, marking an important development in India-China air connectivity. The airline is scheduled to restart the route from September 21, 2026, after a suspension lasting around six years.

The announcement comes just before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, where he is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The timing has added significance to the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two countries.

According to China Southern Airlines’ official schedule, the Delhi-Guangzhou service will operate under flight CZ360, while the return Guangzhou-Delhi service will operate as CZ359. The airline has positioned the route as a convenient connection between India’s capital and one of China’s major commercial and aviation hubs.

Six-Year Flight Suspension Comes To An End

The Guangzhou-New Delhi route was among the international air links affected by the disruption that followed the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The prolonged flight suspension also coincided with a difficult period in India-China relations.

The restart therefore represents more than an additional aviation service. It reflects the gradual rebuilding of direct travel links between the two countries. Direct commercial flights between India and China began returning in 2025, with airlines such as IndiGo and China Eastern Airlines restoring selected routes. China Southern Airlines’ return further expands the available network.

Read more: The Student Behind ‘Cockroach’ Protests That Forced an Indian Minister to Quit

New Delhi And Guangzhou Get A Direct Link

The renewed service will provide passengers with a direct connection between New Delhi and Guangzhou, an important economic and manufacturing centre in southern China.

China Southern Airlines’ published schedule lists CZ360 departing Delhi at 8:20 p.m. and arriving in Guangzhou at 4:15 a.m. the following day. The return flight, CZ359, is scheduled to leave Guangzhou at 3:35 p.m. and reach Delhi at 7:00 p.m.

Travel-trade reports indicate that the airline will initially operate five weekly flights before moving to a daily schedule from October 26. The service is planned with a Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

Boost For India China Flights

The resumption is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists, students and passengers travelling onward to destinations across China and other international markets.

Guangzhou serves as a major hub for China Southern Airlines, giving passengers from India access to a wider network. The city is also an important business destination and is internationally known for hosting the Canton Fair, which attracts companies and buyers from around the world.

Read more: BRICS Summit Delhi: Modi Govt Cuts VIP Convoys, Ministers, CMs To Travel In One Bus

Improved India China flights could therefore support stronger business travel, tourism and commercial exchanges. The development is particularly relevant as trade and people-to-people connections between India and China gradually recover.

Timing Ahead Of Narendra Modi And Xi Jinping Meeting

The announcement has drawn additional attention because of its timing. The airline’s decision was announced shortly before the expected meeting between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping in New Delhi during the BRICS Summit.

The meeting comes against the background of a cautious improvement in India-China relations following years of tensions. The two countries have taken steps toward restoring diplomatic, economic and people-to-people engagement, including the gradual revival of direct air links.

Although the airline announcement is an aviation decision, its timing makes it a notable development in the broader relationship between the two countries.

Wider Opportunities For Trade And Tourism

The return of China Southern Airlines could create new opportunities for companies involved in India-China trade. Easier air access can help businesses manage meetings, exhibitions, sourcing activities and commercial partnerships more efficiently.

For leisure travellers, the route provides another direct option for visiting Guangzhou and connecting onward to other Chinese destinations. For Chinese travellers, the service also improves access to New Delhi and India’s wider tourism and business markets.

With other airlines already restoring China-India services, the Guangzhou-New Delhi route adds further capacity to a market that had experienced a prolonged reduction in direct connectivity.

A Significant Step For India-China Air Connectivity

The return of China Southern Airlines to the New Delhi market is an important milestone for India China flights. Beginning September 21, the Guangzhou connection is set to restore a route that was unavailable for several years.

Its launch shortly before the Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping meeting at the BRICS Summit gives the development additional diplomatic and economic significance. As direct flights continue to return, improved connectivity could support tourism, trade, business travel and broader people-to-people exchanges between India and China.

For passengers travelling between New Delhi and Guangzhou, the resumption provides another direct travel option while signalling the continued rebuilding of aviation links between the two countries.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join. 

Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.