China Southern Airlines Resumes Delhi-Guangzhou Route After Six-Year Break

In a significant move for international aviation in 2026, China Southern Airlines has announced its long-awaited return to the Indian market. Starting September 21, the carrier will re-establish a direct air link between New Delhi and Guangzhou, ending a six-year absence that had left a notable gap in connectivity between the two major Asian economies. This restoration of services is expected to serve as a vital bridge for both business professionals and leisure travelers looking for efficient transit options.

Flight Schedule and Fleet Details

The service will operate out of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, connecting directly to the airline’s primary hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Initially, the airline plans to run five weekly flights, scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For those planning travel later in the autumn, the service is slated to transition into a daily operation starting October 26, 2026.

Travelers will fly aboard the modern Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The cabin is configured to cater to diverse needs, featuring four exclusive Business Class seats for those seeking premium comfort and 170 seats in Economy Class. The flight timings are designed for maximum convenience:

• Flight CZ360: Departs Delhi at 20:20 and touches down in Guangzhou at 04:15 the following morning.
• Flight CZ359: Returns from Guangzhou at 15:35, arriving back in Delhi at 19:00.

Guangzhou: A Gateway to China and the World

Guangzhou is far more than just a destination; it serves as a massive transit point for the region. Passengers arriving from Delhi will gain access to an extensive domestic network covering more than 141 cities across China. This includes seamless transfers to major metropolises such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Wuhan. For international explorers, the Guangzhou hub opens doors to a vast global network reaching:

• Australia and New Zealand: Including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland.
• North America: With routes to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Toronto.
• East Asia and Europe: Direct connections to Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, and various European capitals.

The timing of the flight resumption is particularly strategic for the business community. Guangzhou is the home of the world-famous Canton Fair, a massive trade event held twice a year. The upcoming autumn session in October and November 2026 is expected to see a surge in Indian entrepreneurs and trade delegates utilizing these new direct flights.

Promotional Offers and Loyalty Benefits

To celebrate its return to Indian skies, China Southern Airlines has introduced attractive introductory fares. Travelers can find one-way all-inclusive tickets starting from approximately INR 22,000, while return fares begin at INR 33,000. These competitive prices are intended to encourage the revival of tourism and commercial exchange between the two regions.

Frequent flyers can also take advantage of the Sky Pearl Club program. Membership tiers ranging from Silver to Platinum offer various perks, including priority check-in, additional baggage allowances, and access to exclusive airport lounges, ensuring a high-quality travel experience from start to finish. As the airline continues to rebuild its international presence, further expansion into other Indian cities and a focus on cargo operations are anticipated in the near future.