China Southern announces India flight resumption after six-year hiatus ahead of Xi Jinping's BRICS visit

China Southern Airlines has announced the resumption of regular passenger services on the Guangzhou-New Delhi route, after a six-year hiatus, according to the Global Times. The airline will launch over 100 weekly flights on eight round-trip routes in South Asia, starting September 21. This decision comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit.

The resumption of flights aims to bolster air connectivity between India and China, which was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Other Chinese carriers, such as Air China and China Eastern Airlines, have also resumed direct services to India recently. The development is significant as it reflects efforts to normalize India-China relations, potentially leading to enhanced diplomatic ties and further air connectivity.