The New Routes: What You Need to Know
The big news for travellers is the restoration of direct, non-stop flights. Both Indian and Chinese carriers are re-entering the market. IndiGo resumed its services with a Kolkata-Guangzhou flight in late 2025 and followed up with a daily Delhi-Guangzhou
route. China Southern Airlines has also announced a daily non-stop service between Delhi and Guangzhou, set to launch on September 21, 2026. These flights mark a significant moment, re-establishing a crucial air corridor that had been shut since early 2020. Before the suspension, hundreds of flights operated monthly between the two nations, and this resumption is the first step toward returning to that level of connectivity. For travellers, this means more options and the end of complicated, time-consuming layovers.
Impact on Ticket Prices and Travel Time
For years, travelling between India and China meant a mandatory stopover, often in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Dubai. This added significant time and cost to the journey. The return of direct flights is a game-changer for your wallet and your watch. A non-stop flight from Delhi to Guangzhou cuts the journey down to approximately six hours. Industry experts predict that the increased competition and efficiency of direct routes could lead to a drop in airfares by as much as 15-20%. The elimination of long layovers will save between four to six hours of travel time, making both business and leisure trips far more convenient and accessible.
Navigating the Visa Process
While booking a flight is getting easier, the visa process for China remains a crucial step that requires advance planning. Indian passport holders need to secure a visa before travelling to mainland China; there is currently no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourists. The most common visa for tourism is the 'L' visa. The application process involves filling out an online form and submitting documents like your passport, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a detailed itinerary at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. The good news is that certain policies, like reduced visa fees and an exemption from fingerprinting for many short-term applicants, have been extended through the end of 2026. Always check the latest requirements on the official visa centre website before you begin your application.
Why Guangzhou is Your Gateway to China
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is more than just an airport city; it's a major hub for business and tourism. As the capital of Guangdong province, it is a powerhouse of manufacturing and trade, famously hosting the Canton Fair, one of the world's largest trade exhibitions. For business travellers, direct access is invaluable. For tourists, the city offers a blend of ancient history and modern marvels. You can explore the historic Shamian Island, visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, or take in the view from the iconic Canton Tower. The city is also celebrated as the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, offering an incredible culinary journey from dim sum to fine dining. Its strategic location on the Pearl River Delta also makes it a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of southern China.
The Bigger Picture for India-China Travel
The resumption of flights is about more than just convenience; it's a sign of slowly warming ties and a renewed focus on economic and cultural exchange. After flights were suspended due to the pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions, their return signals a practical step towards rebuilding people-to-people connections. This development is expected to boost not only tourism but also opportunities in trade, investment, and education between the two Asian giants. As more routes, including those to Shanghai and Kunming, are being restored by carriers like Air India and China Eastern, travellers can look forward to a future with much greater connectivity.
