The Route: A Direct Connection Restored
After a significant pause in direct air travel, connectivity is being re-established. Both IndiGo and China Southern Airlines now operate direct flights between New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Notably, China Southern Airlines is resuming its daily non-stop service from September 21, 2026, a move aimed at meeting the growing demand from both corporate and leisure travellers. With a flight time of around five and a half hours, this route significantly cuts down the journey, which previously required layovers in other countries. This restoration signals a gradual normalisation of travel, opening doors for various groups of Indian travellers who rely on efficient access to southern China.
The Business Traveller’s Gateway
For Indian entrepreneurs and corporate executives, Guangzhou is a city of immense strategic importance. It is home to the Canton Fair, China’s largest and most comprehensive trade exhibition, held every spring and autumn. For decades, Indian businesses in sectors like electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer goods have flocked to this fair to source products directly from manufacturers, negotiate bulk deals, and build supplier relationships. The Delhi-Guangzhou route is their lifeline. It facilitates access not only to the fair but also to the wider Pearl River Delta, one of the world's most dynamic manufacturing and economic zones. A direct flight makes it feasible to plan shorter, more efficient trips focused on factory visits, quality checks, and finalising contracts.
Navigating The Visa Hurdle
While flights are becoming more accessible, securing a visa remains a critical and sometimes challenging step. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to mainland China; there is no e-visa or visa-on-arrival facility for tourists. For tourism, an 'L' visa is required, which involves submitting an application with confirmed return flights, hotel bookings, and a day-by-day itinerary. Business travellers need an 'M' visa, typically supported by an invitation letter from a Chinese company or the Canton Fair organisers. However, recent reports from August 2026 indicate a significant tightening of business visa approvals for Indian applicants, with rejection rates rising and processing times increasing. This has caused disruptions for companies reliant on the free movement of personnel for their operations, creating a paradoxical situation of more flights but less certainty for business travel.
Students and Family Connections
Beyond business, the route serves a vital purpose for thousands of Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities. Guangzhou and its surrounding provinces are home to several institutions popular with Indian students, particularly for medical and technical courses. The resumption of direct flights provides a more straightforward and less expensive way for them to travel to their campuses and return home during holidays. The same applies to individuals with family members living and working in China. The direct link helps maintain personal connections that were strained during the years of restricted travel, making family visits more manageable.
The Tourist Itinerary: Is Guangzhou on Your List?
For Indian tourists, Guangzhou offers a fascinating blend of hyper-modernity and deep-rooted tradition. The city's skyline is dominated by the futuristic Canton Tower, which provides breathtaking panoramic views. History buffs can explore Shamian Island, an area that retains its colonial European architecture, or visit the ancient Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. The city is also the heart of Cantonese cuisine, offering an endless variety of dim sum and other culinary delights. For leisure travellers, the direct flight makes Guangzhou an accessible starting point for exploring southern China. However, given the stringent visa process, a trip requires careful planning well in advance.
