China Southern Resumes Delhi–Guangzhou Flights After 6 Years: What Indian Travellers Should Know

Indian travellers will soon have another direct flight option to China as China Southern Airlines prepares to resume its Delhi–Guangzhou service from September 21, 2026, after a six-year suspension.

The return of the route will strengthen direct air connectivity between India and China and provide travellers with another gateway to mainland China and destinations across Asia-Pacific. China Southern has confirmed that the service will operate daily from September 21.

China Southern Delhi–Guangzhou Flights to Resume

China Southern Airlines will restart its direct passenger service between New Delhi and Guangzhou on September 21.

The route was suspended for around six years after direct India-China air services were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent period of limited connectivity. Its return comes as direct flights between India and China have gradually been restored.

For Indian travellers, the new service provides another nonstop option between the two countries.
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Delhi–Guangzhou Flight Schedule

According to China Southern's published schedule, the airline will operate daily flights between Delhi and Guangzhou.

The timings are local times. The Delhi–Guangzhou flight arrives the following morning because of the overnight schedule.

The service is scheduled to be operated with a Boeing 737-8. Trade-industry information says the aircraft is configured with four Business Class seats and 170 Economy Class seats.

Why Guangzhou Is Important for Indian Travellers

Guangzhou is more than just a destination. It is one of southern China's major commercial and aviation hubs.

The city is located in Guangdong province and has strong business links with India, particularly in sectors such as wholesale trade, electronics, apparel and other goods.

Guangzhou is also home to the Canton Fair, one of China's major international trade exhibitions, making the direct flight particularly relevant for Indian business travellers and traders.

For leisure travellers, Guangzhou offers attractions including Canton Tower, the Pearl River and historic neighbourhoods, while also providing connections to other parts of China.

Connections to More Than 140 Cities

One of the biggest advantages of the route is China Southern's Guangzhou hub.

Through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, passengers can connect onward to more than 141 cities across China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Wuhan.

The network also provides onward international connections to destinations in:

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Japan

• South Korea

• North America

• Europe

• Southeast Asia

This could make Guangzhou an additional connecting point for Indian travellers heading beyond mainland China.

More India–China Flights Are Returning

China Southern's return is part of a broader restoration of direct air connectivity between India and China.

Several airlines have already restarted or expanded services between the two countries in 2026.

Air India resumed New Delhi–China services earlier this year, while Air China restored its Beijing–Delhi connection. China Eastern also resumed services between Kunming and Kolkata.

IndiGo has also expanded its China network, including direct services connecting Indian cities with destinations such as Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The return of China Southern therefore adds another option to an increasingly restored India-China aviation network.

What Does This Mean for Indian Travellers?

The additional service could give passengers more flexibility when planning trips to China.

For tourists, the route provides a direct connection to Guangzhou without requiring a stopover in another country.

For business travellers, the timing and Guangzhou hub could be particularly useful for accessing southern China and attending major trade events such as the Canton Fair.

Passengers travelling onwards to other Chinese cities can also use Guangzhou as a connecting hub within China Southern's network.

Promotional Fares Available

China Southern has introduced promotional fares for the returning Delhi–Guangzhou route.

According to travel-trade information, promotional fares start at approximately ₹22,000 for one-way travel and ₹33,000 for return travel, including taxes. Fares can vary depending on travel dates, availability and booking conditions.

Travellers should check the airline's current fare at the time of booking rather than relying on promotional starting prices.

Do Indians Need a Visa for China?

The resumption of the flight does not change China's visa requirements for Indian passport holders.

Indian travellers should check the latest Chinese visa requirements and obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to China, unless they qualify for a specific exemption.

Travellers should also verify entry requirements, passport validity and any transit requirements before booking their trip.

A New Option for Business and Leisure Travel

The Delhi–Guangzhou route could serve two major groups of travellers.

Business travellers: Guangzhou is an important commercial centre and a major gateway to manufacturing and trading regions in southern China.

Leisure travellers: The direct connection can make it easier to visit Guangzhou and continue to other Chinese destinations.

Connecting passengers: China Southern's extensive network from Guangzhou provides onward options across China and international destinations.

What Travellers Should Check Before Booking

Before booking the flight, Indian passengers should check:

• Current flight schedule and operating dates

• Visa requirements for China

• Baggage allowance

• Fare conditions

• Transit requirements if connecting onwards

• Airport transfer arrangements

• Travel insurance

• Latest entry regulations

Flight schedules and fares can change, so travellers should confirm the details directly with the airline before travelling.

Final Takeaway

China Southern Airlines' return to the Delhi–Guangzhou route from September 21, 2026 marks another step in the restoration of direct India-China air connectivity.

With daily flights, access to China Southern's Guangzhou hub and onward connections to more than 140 cities, the service could be useful for Indian tourists, business travellers, traders and passengers travelling onwards to other international destinations.

For travellers planning a China trip this year, the resumed service gives them another direct flight option between India and China, while Guangzhou's extensive network provides additional possibilities beyond the city itself.