IndiGo, a prominent carrier in the Indian aviation sector, and China Southern Airlines, a major international airline based in Guangzhou, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive codeshare partnership and mutual cooperation agreement. The arrangement, pending necessary regulatory approvals, marks a significant step toward bolstering air travel options and efficiency between India and China.
This strategic partnership follows IndiGoโs recent pivotal move to re-establish direct air links between the two countries. The Indian carrier resumed services to Mainland China in October 2025 after a five-year hiatus, launching flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, and subsequently inaugurating a new daily direct route connecting Delhi with Guangzhou. The addition of the codeshare services leverages this restored direct connectivity, providing passengers with an integrated travel system.
The core objective of the codeshare agreement is to deliver a simplified and enhanced experience for customers. Once fully implemented, travelers will benefit from the convenience of seamless travel across the combined networks of both airlines, including the advantage of single-ticket booking, streamlined check-in processes, and coordinated flight schedules. The partnership will allow China Southern Airlines to offer expanded connectivity into India, while IndiGo passengers will gain access to a wider range of destinations beyond Guangzhou through the Chinese carrierโs extensive network.
Officials from both carriers emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. A spokesperson for IndiGo noted the companyโs pleasure in partnering with China Southern Airlines to strengthen connectivity between India and China, underscoring the new convenience offered to shared customers traveling across diverse regions in both nations. Similarly, a representative for China Southern Airlines stated the companyโs high value for the growth opportunities presented by the Indian market, confirming that the cooperation would utilize complementary advantages to foster increased economic, cultural, and aviation exchanges.
By combining resources and network capabilities, IndiGo and China Southern Airlines are poised to significantly expand their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The successful completion of this partnership is expected to accelerate growth in trade, tourism, and cultural understanding, supporting the continued development of bilateral relations between India and China.
