An End to the Long Wait
For several years, direct air travel between India and mainland China was suspended, a disruption that began in early 2020. Passengers, including students, business professionals, and families, had no choice but to navigate complex and time-consuming
journeys, often connecting through hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok. The resumption of direct flights is more than just a convenience; it signals a significant step in rebuilding people-to-people and economic ties between the two nations. This restoration is not limited to a single airline or city pair, with services on routes like Delhi-Shanghai and Kolkata-Guangzhou also having restarted recently.
The Delhi-Guangzhou Link: Key Details
The most recent and significant development for North Indian travellers is the return of the Delhi-Guangzhou service. China Southern Airlines is scheduled to resume daily non-stop flights between Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport starting September 21, 2026. The airline will operate this route using Boeing 737-8 aircraft. According to the schedule, the flight from Delhi is set for an evening departure, arriving in Guangzhou the next morning, making it convenient for business and leisure travellers looking to maximise their time. This daily service restores a vital connection to one of China's primary manufacturing and trade hubs.
Navigating the Visa Process
One thing that hasn’t changed is the need for a visa. Indian passport holders must secure a visa before travelling to mainland China, as there is no visa-on-arrival facility for tourists. The application process, however, has been streamlined. Applicants must fill out the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form and then typically visit a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) for submission. There's good news for applicants in 2026: China has extended its policy of reduced visa fees for Indian citizens until the end of the year. Furthermore, the requirement for providing fingerprints has been temporarily waived for many applicants seeking short-term visas, simplifying the process. To ensure a successful application, you'll need a comprehensive set of documents, including a valid passport, confirmed round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, and a detailed day-by-day itinerary.
Health and Arrival Formalities
Travellers will be relieved to know that China has lifted all COVID-19 related entry requirements. As of 2026, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter the country. The mandatory health declaration form has also been abolished. In its place, travellers are now required to complete a digital arrival card, which can be filled out online up to 24 hours before landing or at the airport upon arrival. While no specific vaccines are required for entry from India, it is always advisable for travellers to ensure their routine immunisations like Tdap and MMR are up to date and to consult a doctor for personalised health advice.
The Impact on Time and Cost
The most immediate and tangible benefit for passengers is the significant reduction in travel time. A direct flight from Delhi to Guangzhou or Shanghai takes around six to seven hours. This is a drastic improvement over the 10-15 hour journeys that involved layovers. The return of direct connectivity is also expected to put downward pressure on airfares. With multiple carriers including Air India, IndiGo, and Chinese airlines now operating non-stop flights, increased competition should lead to more competitive pricing for consumers. This change makes travel more accessible not only for large businesses but also for smaller traders, students, and tourists who were previously deterred by high costs and long travel durations.
