The Route Is Back in Service
In a significant development for India-China travel, China Southern Airlines has resumed its direct flight service between New Delhi and Guangzhou. The airline announced that daily, non-stop flights would commence on September 21, 2026, re-establishing
a crucial air corridor that serves both business and leisure passengers. The resumption is part of a broader, gradual restoration of air links between the two countries, which has seen other carriers also reinstate services on various routes over the past year. This move is set to enhance bilateral connectivity and cater to the growing travel demand from India.
Daily Flight Schedule and Details
Travellers can now book daily flights between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport (CAN). According to the airline's schedule, flight CZ360 will depart from Delhi at 8:20 PM IST and arrive in Guangzhou at 4:15 AM CST the following day. The return flight, CZ359, will leave Guangzhou at 3:35 PM CST and land in Delhi at 7:00 PM IST. The route will be operated using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, a modern and efficient plane for this medium-haul journey. The flight duration is approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes.
Why This Route Matters for Business
Guangzhou is a powerhouse of trade and manufacturing, often called the 'factory of the world'. For Indian entrepreneurs and businesses involved in sourcing, manufacturing, and import-export, Guangzhou is an indispensable destination. The city is home to the world-renowned Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China, which attracts thousands of Indian businesspeople annually. Industries like electronics, textiles, auto parts, and wholesale trade are centered here. A direct flight significantly cuts down on travel time and complexity, removing the need for layovers in other cities and allowing for more efficient and productive business trips. The resumption of this direct link is a boon for the strong commercial ties between India and the Pearl River Delta region.
A Boost for Students and Tourism
While business travel is a primary driver, this direct flight also benefits other travellers. A significant number of Indian students are enrolled in Chinese universities, and this route provides them with a more convenient option for travelling home during breaks. Furthermore, Guangzhou serves as a major aviation hub for China Southern Airlines, offering onward connections to destinations across China, Australia, and beyond. As relations and travel protocols continue to normalize, the potential for leisure tourism is also expected to grow. Guangzhou itself, with its unique culinary scene and cultural sites like the Canton Tower and Sacred Heart Cathedral, offers plenty for tourists to explore.
The Bigger Picture for India-China Aviation
The resumption of the Delhi-Guangzhou route by China Southern is part of a larger trend. Over the past year, both Indian and Chinese carriers have been progressively re-establishing direct flights that were suspended. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India have also restarted or launched new services to Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou from Delhi and Kolkata. This phased reopening of the skies signals a return to pre-pandemic levels of connectivity, which is vital for diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people exchanges between the two most populous nations in the world. For travellers, this increased competition and capacity is welcome news, likely leading to more choice and competitive fares.
