China Southern Airlines announced the resumption of regular passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi, set to begin on September 21, according to Global Times on Saturday. This announcement was made just before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India to participate in the BRICS summit.
The airline specified that the resumption will allow for an increase in the total number of operations across eight routes in South Asia to over one hundred flights per week. Previously, service between Guangzhou and New Delhi had been suspended for six years.
Resumption of Direct Air Links Between India and China
In recent months, there has been a gradual improvement in air connectivity between China and India. Air China resumed service on the Beijing-Delhi route in April, and China Eastern Airlines launched direct flights between Kunming and Kolkata on April 18. Furthermore, Indian carrier IndiGo began a daily non-stop flight between Kolkata and Shanghai on March 30. This airline had previously restored flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou and subsequently started operating flights from Delhi to the Chinese city.
The return of direct flights became possible after receiving confirmation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Air communication between the two countries was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as amid tensions arising from incidents in Doklam and Galwan.
Xi Heads to BRICS Summit
As reported by the state news agency Xinhua, Xi left Beijing on Saturday to travel to the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi at Modi's invitation. The Chinese President is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later that day.
Xi's delegation includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China and director of its General Office, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to Xinhua, Xi is expected to present proposals for cooperation among Global South nations, drawing on his statements at the SCO summit in Bishkek.
BRICS has become an important platform for developing economies, allowing for the coordination of issues related to trade, finance, technology, development, and global governance. The group also aims to promote stronger interaction among Global South countries.