China Southern Restarts a Key Route
China Southern Airlines is set to resume its daily, non-stop service between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport (CAN), with flights commencing on September 21, 2026. This marks a significant
moment, restoring a popular route that had been suspended for several years. The airline will operate a modern Boeing 737 aircraft for the daily service. Flight CZ360 is scheduled to depart from Delhi in the evening, arriving in Guangzhou early the next morning, while the return flight, CZ359, will leave Guangzhou in the afternoon to land in Delhi the same evening. This schedule is convenient for both business travellers needing a full day in Guangzhou upon arrival and those connecting to other destinations.
Why This Route Matters
Guangzhou is not just another city; it's a powerhouse. As a major trade and manufacturing hub in southern China, it's the heart of the Pearl River Delta, one of the world's most dynamic economic zones. For Indian businesses, traders, and entrepreneurs, direct access is a game-changer, simplifying logistics and fostering closer commercial ties. Beyond business, Guangzhou is a major aviation hub for China Southern Airlines. This means Indian travellers can use the Delhi-Guangzhou flight as a gateway to the rest of China, as well as to other destinations across Asia, Australia, and beyond. This restored connectivity follows the resumption of other key routes by carriers like Air China and China Eastern Airlines, signalling a broader normalisation of travel between the two nations.
Navigating China's Visa Rules
This is the most critical part of your travel planning. As of September 2026, Indian passport holders need to secure a visa before travelling to mainland China for tourism or business. There is currently no visa-on-arrival or e-visa facility for Indian tourists. You must apply for the appropriate visa, typically a Tourist (L) or Business (M) visa, through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). The process involves filling out an online application, submitting a list of documents—including your passport, photos, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a detailed itinerary—and potentially providing biometrics. Thankfully, the Chinese government has extended a policy of reduced visa fees and waived the fingerprinting requirement for many short-term applicants through the end of 2026, simplifying the process slightly. Always check the very latest rules on the official CVASC website before making any non-refundable bookings.
Planning and Booking Your Trip
With the route confirmed, tickets are now on sale and can be booked directly through China Southern Airlines' website or various online travel agencies. As a general rule for international travel, booking a few months in advance often yields better prices. Since this is a newly resumed route, keep an eye out for introductory fares. When planning your itinerary, remember that your visa application requires proof of hotel bookings and a day-by-day plan. A consistent and logical plan that matches your flight dates and hotel reservations is crucial for a successful visa application. While travel insurance is not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to cover any unforeseen medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Once your tickets and visa are in hand, a little preparation goes a long way. Download translation and payment apps before you go; while QR-code-based payments are becoming more foreigner-friendly, having options is key. Familiarise yourself with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), a large and modern facility, to navigate your arrival smoothly. For currency, while major cards are accepted in larger establishments, having some Chinese Yuan (CNY) on hand for smaller vendors is advisable. The resumption of this flight is part of a broader trend of increasing air connectivity between India and China, with other airlines also adding routes from cities like Kolkata and Mumbai to Shanghai and Kunming, making 2026 a pivotal year for travel between the two Asian giants.
