‍DELHI — IndiGo (6E) and China Southern Airlines (CZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a codeshare partnership and enter into a cooperation agreement. The agreement will allow both carriers to offer enhanced services in each other’s markets, improving connectivity between India and China and strengthening their respective regional networks.

While the exact details are yet to be released, the proposed codeshare agreement will allow passengers of both airlines to book connecting flights on each other’s networks under a single ticket, with coordinated schedules and seamless baggage transfers. This collaboration aims to simplify travel between major Indian and Chinese cities and strengthen trade and tourism links between the two countries.

“We are happy to join hands with China Southern Airlines as we enhance connectivity between India and China,” Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said in a statement.

India, China Resume Nonstop Flights After Five-Year Suspension

India and China have recently decided to resume nonstop flights after a five-year hiatus. The suspension was initially caused by escalating border tensions between the two countries, followed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first flight, operated by 6E from Kolkata to Guangzhou in October, marked the restoration of air connectivity between the two countries. 

The resumption of flights is expected to bring much-needed relief to both Indian and Chinese travelers, as the two nations share strong trade and economic ties that create consistent demand for air travel. Such developments are a positive sign, reflecting an improvement in bilateral relations and growing cooperation between Asia’s two largest economies.