IndiGo and China Southern Airlines Sign Codeshare to Boost India-China Connectivity

India’s largest airline, IndiGo and China Southern Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin a new codeshare partnership and cooperation agreement. Once approved by regulators, this deal will give travellers better flight options between India and China.

What This Partnership Means for Travellers

Under the agreement, China Southern will be able to offer more routes into India, while IndiGo customers will get easier access to China Southern’s large network beyond Guangzhou.

Passengers will also benefit from smoother travel experiences, including those during check-in and through coordinated schedules between the two airlines. More details about the codeshare routes and schedules will be shared soon.

IndiGo’s Growing Focus on China

IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, stated that the partnership marks another step in strengthening the connections between India and China. He highlighted IndiGo’s recent launch of daily direct flights from Kolkata and Delhi to Guangzhou, adding that the new deal will make travel between the two countries even more convenient.

China Southern’s Perspective

Han Wensheng, President and CEO of China Southern Airlines, stated that the airline sees great potential in the Indian market. By joining hands with IndiGo, both airlines can use their strengths to expand travel options and support business, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

IndiGo Resumes Direct Flights to China

After a pause of over five years, IndiGo has restarted its non-stop flights to China. Beginning October 26, 2025, the airline now operate daily direct services between Kolkata and Guangzhou, using its Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Other Codeshare Agreements

Besides the new partnership with China Southern Airlines, IndiGo already has several codeshare agreements that expand its global reach. These include collaborations with KLM for smoother connections to Europe, Jetstar for routes across Australia and New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines for wider access to Southeast Asia, and Qantas for greater connectivity within Australia.

Existing Codeshare Partners:

Why It Matters

This codeshared partnership comes at a time when travel demand between India and China is gradually picking up again. For travellers, it means more choices, easier bookings, and a stronger air link between two of Asia’s biggest economies.