Story perspectives

China Southern Restarts Delhi–Guangzhou Flights After Six Years

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 4:22 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

China Southern Restarts

China Southern Airlines will restart Delhi-Guangzhou passenger flights on September 21, ending a six-year suspension.
The launch follows President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the 2026 BRICS Summit.
China Southern operates over 100 weekly flights across eight South-Asia round-trip routes.
Guangzhou, the ‘Southern Gateway,’ serves as a sourcing hub for Indian apparel and accessories traders.
About 3,000 Indian professionals work in Guangzhou, supporting trade ties.

Summary

Xi Proposes BRICS

Chinese President Xi Jinping will propose Global South cooperation initiatives at the BRICS summit, echoing his SCO Bishkek remarks.
Xi’s delegation includes senior party official Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, underscoring the visit’s political weight.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the restoration of direct China-India flights, aligning with Xi’s meeting with Narendra Modi.
BRICS is the main forum where emerging economies coordinate policy and shape global-governance.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, India and China signed the Civil Aviation Agreement, launching the first regular direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou. The pact authorized twelve weekly services, and China Southern Airlines operated 100 flights monthly, transporting roughly 3,000 Indian professionals to the southern hub. Today, Xi Jinping’s 2026 BRICS visit revives that connectivity, as his delegation—including Cai Qi and Wang Yi—confirms restoring Delhi-Guangzhou routes alongside Modi’s endorsement. The renewed air link strengthens Global South cooperation, promising expanded trade, tourism, and a precedent for future multilateral infrastructure projects within BRICS frameworks.

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China Southern Restarts

China Southern Airlines will restart Delhi-Guangzhou passenger flights on September 21, ending a six-year suspension.
The launch follows President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the 2026 BRICS Summit.
China Southern operates over 100 weekly flights across eight South-Asia round-trip routes.
Guangzhou, the ‘Southern Gateway,’ serves as a sourcing hub for Indian apparel and accessories traders.
About 3,000 Indian professionals work in Guangzhou, supporting trade ties.

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