China Southern announces India flight resumption after six-year hiatus ahead of Xi Jinping’s BRICS visit

China Southern to Restore Guangzhou–New Delhi Flights After Six-Year Gap

Theindiapostdaily.com – China Southern Airlines is set to restart regular passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi on September 21, reopening a route that has been inactive for six years. The move comes as air links between India and China gradually return after a prolonged period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and strained bilateral relations.

The Guangzhou–New Delhi service will add another direct connection between two of Asia’s largest economies. China Southern said it plans to operate more than 100 flights each week across eight round-trip routes serving South Asia, indicating a broader effort to rebuild its regional network.

Direct Air Links Gradually Return

Passenger services between India and China were halted during the pandemic, while political tensions following the Doklam and Galwan confrontations further complicated the revival of regular aviation ties. The restoration of routes by several airlines signals a cautious return of direct travel options for business passengers, students, families and other travellers moving between the two countries.

China Southern’s planned resumption follows a series of recent route restorations by Chinese and Indian carriers. In April, Air China restarted its Beijing–Delhi service, making it the second India route brought back by a Chinese airline.

China Eastern Airlines had already resumed nonstop flights connecting Kunming and Kolkata on April 18. IndiGo also re-entered the India–China market earlier in the year, launching a direct Kolkata–Shanghai route on March 30 before subsequently adding service from Delhi.

These developments followed confirmation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs that direct flights between the two countries would resume. Before the latest restorations, travellers often had to use connecting services through other Asian hubs, adding time and complexity to journeys that were once served by nonstop flights.

What the Guangzhou Route Means

Guangzhou is a major commercial centre in southern China and an important aviation gateway for the region. A direct link to New Delhi may provide an additional option for travellers whose journeys involve trade, business meetings, academic activity or personal visits.

The return of the service also broadens the geographic spread of restored connections. Beijing, Kunming, Shanghai and Guangzhou represent different Chinese gateways, while Delhi and Kolkata provide access to key Indian population and business centres. As airlines add routes, passengers may have more flexibility in choosing departure cities and travel schedules.

Flight schedules, frequencies and entry requirements can change, so travellers planning journeys on the resumed routes will need to confirm operational details directly with their airline before booking. The announcement of a route does not necessarily mean that every service will operate daily or that all seats will be immediately available.

Xi Jinping Travels to New Delhi for BRICS Summit

The airline announcement arrives as Chinese President Xi Jinping travels to India for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Xi departed Beijing on Saturday following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a bilateral meeting between the two leaders is expected later in the day.

Xi is accompanied by Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of its General Office. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is part of the delegation as well.

The BRICS gathering brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with discussions often focused on economic cooperation and issues affecting emerging economies. Xi is expected to put forward proposals related to cooperation among Global South countries, continuing themes he raised during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.

Aviation and Diplomacy Move on Separate Tracks

The return of commercial aviation services and the summit diplomacy unfolding in New Delhi are separate developments, but both reflect renewed engagement between India and China after years of limited direct connectivity. Airlines make route decisions based on regulatory permissions, passenger demand, operational capacity and commercial conditions, while diplomatic exchanges involve broader political and strategic considerations.

For travellers, the practical impact is clearer: the number of direct options is beginning to increase after a lengthy pause. For airlines, the reopening of routes offers an opportunity to assess demand on services that had previously been unavailable. For businesses and communities with cross-border ties, restored flights can reduce the dependence on indirect itineraries.

China Southern’s September 21 launch date will be closely watched as another marker in the revival of regular India–China passenger travel. Together with the Beijing–Delhi, Kunming–Kolkata, Kolkata–Shanghai and Delhi services that have returned, the Guangzhou–New Delhi route adds momentum to the gradual rebuilding of air connectivity between the two countries.