China Southern Restores Guangzhou–Delhi Daily Flights
China Southern Airlines has reintroduced its daily passenger service between Guangzhou and New Delhi after a six-year hiatus, commencing September 21, 2026, with an initial load factor of nearly 80 percent.
China Southern Resumes India Service
China Southern Airlines recommenced its daily passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi on September 21, 2026. This marks the end of a six-year suspension for the route, a move that forms part of the ongoing relaxation of post-pandemic travel restrictions between India and China.
The airline, one of China's principal state-owned carriers, confirmed the resumption via its official X profile (formerly Twitter), encouraging travellers to consider visiting attractions such as Luoding Windmill Mountain in Yunfu.
Flight Schedule and Initial Load
The inaugural flight, CZ359, departed Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 3:46 pm on September 21, 2026, arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at 7:00 pm on the same day. The return service, flight CZ360, departed New Delhi at 8:20 pm, landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 4:15 am the following day.
A report in the Global Times indicated that the outbound flight carried 133 passengers, achieving a load factor of nearly 80 percent. Delhi International Airport celebrated the re-established direct connection on its official Instagram page.
Expanding India-China Air Connectivity
China Southern's reintroduction of the Guangzhou–Delhi route contributes to a broader restoration of direct air links between India and China. These connections were largely suspended following the COVID-19 pandemic and amidst border tensions. This development follows similar actions by other major Chinese carriers in recent times.
Air China, for example, recommenced its Beijing–Delhi service in February 2026, while China Eastern Airlines restarted direct flights between Kunming and Kolkata in April 2026. Indian carrier IndiGo also launched a daily non-stop service between Kolkata and Shanghai on March 30, 2026.
Implications for Travellers and Industry
The re-establishment of the Guangzhou–Delhi route significantly expands air travel options between India and China, increasing direct capacity for passengers and cargo. With this new daily service, China Southern Airlines' total operations across South Asia now exceed 100 flights weekly, as stated by the carrier.
This expansion of direct air links will reduce travel times and potentially lower ticket prices for those travelling between the two nations, providing more competitive choices for consumers and supporting increased tourism and trade flows.
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