China Southern Airlines is resuming flights to India after a six-year hiatus, reestablishing a direct air link between the two nations. The airline will launch its Delhi-Guangzhou route on September 21, 2026, with an initial schedule of five weekly flights operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The service will utilize a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, offering four Business Class and 170 Economy Class seats. From October 26, the frequency is set to increase to daily flights, significantly enhancing travel options for passengers. This move comes as the carrier seeks to rebuild its footprint in the region after a period of suspended operations.
Flight Schedule and Connectivity
Flight CZ360 will depart Delhi at 20:20, arriving in Guangzhou at 04:15 the next day. The return flight, CZ359, leaves Guangzhou at 15:35, reaching Delhi by 19:00. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport serves as the hub, connecting Delhi to over 141 Chinese cities and numerous international destinations. This central location allows travelers to easily access major hubs for further transit.
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Passengers can travel onward to major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, as well as international hubs such as Sydney, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. The network also includes key cities in Australia such as Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, alongside locations in North America including New York and San Francisco, catering to both business and leisure travelers with diverse needs.
Industry Perspectives
Xia Bing (Benny), General Manager for India at China Southern Airlines, emphasized the route’s significance: “India is a very important market for China and also for China Southern Airlines, and we are committed to building strong relationships.” He further noted that the resumption marks a vital step in strengthening business ties and bringing the two nations closer through enhanced connectivity.
Prithviraj Singh Chug, CEO of Group Concorde, the airline’s General Sales Agent in India, noted the carrier’s pre-pandemic prominence: “China Southern was the largest Chinese carrier operating between Delhi and China prior to COVID-19.” He also highlighted the potential for year-round travel demand and the airline’s plans to expand cargo operations, which will facilitate the movement of goods between the two economic powerhouses.
The route’s launch coincides with the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, a major trade event held twice a year. Promotional fares start at INR 22,000 one-way and INR 33,000 round-trip, inclusive of taxes. These pricing structures are designed to attract a wide range of visitors attending the fair and other business engagements during the autumn session.
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Operational Details and Future Plans
China Southern’s return is part of its strategy to rebuild and expand its presence in India. The airline, with a fleet of 973 aircraft, carried 173 million passengers and 1.96 million tonnes of cargo last year, demonstrating its robust operational capacity on a global scale. This financial and operational strength supports the company’s ambitious plans to re-enter the market.
The airline hosted a networking event in Delhi on September 10, engaging travel partners and stakeholders. This engagement demonstrates the carrier’s commitment to the market, though future expansions remain subject to regulatory approvals. The airline’s leadership is actively working with government bodies to ensure smooth operations for the new route.
Frequent flyers can enroll in the Sky Pearl Club, which offers tiered benefits including priority check-in and lounge access for higher-tier members. The programme comprises Classic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum membership tiers, with Silver and higher-tier members eligible for benefits such as additional baggage allowance. This loyalty structure aims to retain passengers traveling on this critical new connection.