China Southern Airlines Resumes Direct Guangzhou-New Delhi Flights (CAN-DEL) from September 21, 2026
China Southern Airlines will resume direct flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, 2026. This highly anticipated move reinstates a vital India-China air link after a six-year interruption, significantly boosting connectivity between the two nations.
Initially, the airline plans to operate five flights per week. From October 26, China Southern will expand its services to daily flights. For Indian travelers, the return of this nonstop route offers an additional convenient option to China and provides easier access to China Southern’s extensive network from its Guangzhou hub.
China Southern Guangzhou-New Delhi Flight Schedule (CAN-DEL)
The resumed China Southern service will connect Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) with Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi.
The initial five-weekly flight schedule is as follows:
- Flight CZ 359: Guangzhou → New Delhi, departing at 00:30 and arriving at 03:15.
- Flight CZ 360: New Delhi → Guangzhou, departing at 05:15 and arriving at 13:00.
From October 26, 2026, China Southern plans to increase the frequency of this popular route to daily operations. Travelers are advised to verify the exact operating days and timings directly with the airline at the time of booking, as schedules can be subject to change.
Increasing India-China Direct Flight Connectivity
China Southern’s return to the New Delhi route is the latest development in the gradual rebuilding of direct air connectivity between India and China.
Several other airlines have already re-established direct India-China flight routes. Air India resumed its direct New Delhi-China flights in February, nearly six years after services were suspended. IndiGo then restarted India-China direct connectivity with its daily Kolkata-Shanghai service on March 30.
Chinese airlines are also re-entering the Indian market. China Eastern Airlines restarted Kunming-Kolkata flights on April 18, followed by Air China’s resumption of the Beijing-New Delhi route in April. IndiGo has further expanded its China network, including services between Kolkata and Guangzhou, and additional flights from Delhi to China.
Significance of the Guangzhou (CAN) to New Delhi (DEL) Route
The Guangzhou-New Delhi flight route holds particular importance for Indian travelers. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) serves as a major hub for China Southern Airlines, offering seamless connections to numerous other Chinese cities and a wide array of destinations across Asia from New Delhi.
The timing of China Southern’s September 21 resumption is also notable, occurring shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India during the BRICS summit. This restoration, alongside other re-established routes, strongly indicates improving travel and economic links between India and China after years of limited direct air connectivity.
Key Details for Indian Travelers: China Southern Delhi-Guangzhou Flights
- Airline: China Southern Airlines
- Route: New Delhi (DEL) – Guangzhou (CAN)
- Service Resumes: September 21, 2026
- Initial Frequency: Five flights per week
- Daily Flights: From October 26, 2026
- Estimated Flight Time: Approximately four hours
- Hub: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
This additional capacity from China Southern will provide Indian travelers with more choice when comparing direct flights with one-stop options via other Asian hubs. It is expected to significantly improve connectivity for business travelers, students, and leisure passengers looking to travel deeper into China or connect to other Asian destinations.
Expert Take: Boost for India-China Travel
We view China Southern’s return as a valuable boost for India-China travel, particularly benefiting passengers departing from New Delhi. The planned daily flights from October 26 make Guangzhou a highly practical option for travel within China and for seamless onward connections across Asia.
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