NEW DELHI: Direct aviation corridors between India and China achieved a major breakthrough as China Southern Airlines officially resumed regular passenger services on the Guangzhou–New Delhi route from September 21, 2026. The historic relaunch ends a painful six-year travel suspension triggered by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent diplomatic standoffs.
The daily service, operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, marks the third prominent Chinese state carrier to return to Indian runways this year, trailing successful route restorations by Air China and China Eastern Airlines. Crucially, the airline’s strategic announcement coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s high-profile visit to the capital for the 18th BRICS Summit, signaling a gradual but definitive thaw in bilateral connectivity.
The revival of this essential commercial corridor is a massive victory for cross-border trade. Previously, travelers endured grueling 10-to-12-hour layovers via third countries. The reinstated non-stop connection cuts travel time down to just five hours, dramatically slashing transit friction for corporate sourcing professionals, manufacturing traders, and students. By restoring the Guangzhou link, the carrier will expand its regional footprint to more than 100 weekly flights across South Asian routes.