IndiGo has launched daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, marking a significant milestone in the resumption of direct air connectivity between India and China after a five-year hiatus. The service, operated by the airline’s modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, commenced on November 10, 2025, and strengthens IndiGo’s international network, now connecting Delhi to 21 overseas destinations.

The Delhi–Guangzhou flight (6E 1701) departs from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9:45 PM and arrives at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 4:50 AM the following day. The return service (6E 1702) leaves Guangzhou at 5:50 AM and lands in Delhi at 10:10 AM.

This launch comes shortly after IndiGo resumed its Kolkata–Guangzhou service on October 26, signalling the revival of commercial air links between the two countries, which were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later remained halted amid border tensions in eastern Ladakh.

The resumption of direct flights follows a series of recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring bilateral engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. It also coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China last month, his first in seven years, to attend a regional security forum, which underscored a cautious thaw in relations.

In a statement, Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said the airline was pleased to expand its presence in China with the new Delhi–Guangzhou connection. “This route will strengthen travel options and promote economic and cultural exchange between India and China,” Elbers said. “It will also connect Guangzhou to IndiGo’s vast domestic network of over 90 destinations, offering seamless access across India to Chinese travellers. We are thankful to both governments for their support in restoring these links, which open significant opportunities for trade, tourism, and collaboration.”

In a parallel development, IndiGo also announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Southern Airlines to establish a codeshare partnership and mutual cooperation agreement. The partnership, subject to regulatory approvals, will allow both airlines to offer passengers enhanced connectivity across their respective networks through single-ticket bookings.

Meanwhile, China Eastern Airlines also resumed direct Delhi–Shanghai flights on November 9, complementing IndiGo’s growing China footprint and signalling a broader reopening of air corridors between the two largest economies in Asia.

Industry observers see IndiGo’s move as strategically aligned with India’s efforts to boost international air links and position Delhi as a major transit hub connecting East and West. The return of India–China flights is expected to support business, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges at a time when both economies are seeking to rebuild confidence and connectivity after years of disruption.