Gulf airspace has largely reopened, but a 3 June drone strike on Kuwait’s airport shows disruption can still return without warning.
Here’s why China Southern remains a practical way to fly between Asia, Europe and Australasia clear of the conflict zone.
What’s Happening With Gulf Carriers Right Now?
The conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran has disrupted Middle Eastern air travel since late February 2026. A US–Iran ceasefire is holding for now, and most Gulf airspace has reopened — but under managed corridors rather than normal traffic, and it remains fragile.
Here’s the current picture:
- Reopened under managed corridors: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, with flights routed through limited corridors and subject to short-notice change.
- Kuwait — disrupted again: A 3 June drone strike on Kuwait International Airport killed at least one person and shut the airport. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways have resumed, but most foreign airlines remain suspended with no confirmed return date.
- Iran, Iraq and Syria: still effectively closed to, or avoided by, civilian traffic.
- Gulf carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad are flying again, but on reduced schedules that are still rebuilding, with last-minute changes possible.
For travellers who relied on Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi as connecting hubs, the Gulf corridor is working again — but the Kuwait strike is a reminder it can close at short notice. That’s where carriers like China Southern Airlines come in.
Why China Southern Is Worth Considering
China Southern Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Asia, and it operates from a hub well outside the affected airspace: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). It also uses Beijing Daxing as a secondary hub.
The key advantage is geography. Flight paths through Guangzhou avoid the Middle East entirely, routing over Central or East Asia instead. For passengers connecting between South Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe, that means no exposure to the airspace disruptions affecting Gulf routes.
Where does China Southern fly?
The network from Guangzhou covers a wide arc across Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australasia. Here’s a snapshot of key direct routes from the Guangzhou hub:
| Region | Direct Destinations from Guangzhou |
|---|---|
| Europe | London (Heathrow & Gatwick), Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid, Budapest, Belgrade, Istanbul |
| South Asia | Delhi, Islamabad, Dhaka |
| Southeast Asia | Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Penang, Sabah, Vientiane |
| Australasia | Sydney, Perth, Adelaide |
This means a traveller flying from Delhi to London, for example, could connect through Guangzhou instead of Dubai or Doha, on a routing that stays clear of the conflict zone.
How the Routing Works in Practice
The typical China Southern itinerary involves a connection at Guangzhou. You’d fly from your origin city to Guangzhou, then onward to your European or Australian destination. Depending on the route, the layover can range from a couple of hours to a longer stop.
The 240-hour visa-free transit option
Here’s something that could work in your favour. China offers a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for nationals of 54 countries. If you’re transiting through Guangzhou to a third country, you can leave the airport and explore the city for up to 10 days without a Chinese visa.
This effectively turns a layover into a stopover. Whether you want to try Guangzhou’s food scene, visit nearby cities in Guangdong, or just rest at a hotel between long flights, the option is there. Check the China Southern visa-free transit page or the National Immigration Administration to confirm whether your nationality qualifies.
Baggage on connecting flights
When transiting through Guangzhou, your bags may or may not be checked through to your final destination — it depends on the route and ticket type. Confirm baggage arrangements at check-in for your first flight, so you’re not caught off guard at the transit point. The airline’s official baggage rules page has the latest details.
What to Keep in Mind Before Booking
China Southern is a practical option for certain travellers and routes, but it’s not a like-for-like replacement for the Gulf carriers. Here’s what to weigh up:
The pros
- Full-service carrier with meals, checked baggage and in-flight entertainment included on long-haul flights
- Newer aircraft on key routes (A350, 787) with generally positive passenger reviews
- Codeshare partnerships with American Airlines, British Airways, Air France, Delta and IndiGo, allowing connecting itineraries beyond its own network
- Frequent flyer options through partner programmes, despite the airline leaving SkyTeam in 2019
The trade-offs
- Service can be inconsistent. Older aircraft on some routes may have dated cabins. Check which aircraft type operates your route before booking.
- Language at Guangzhou airport leans towards Mandarin. English is used on international flights, but navigating the transit process may take extra time if you’re unfamiliar with Chinese airports.
- It won’t work for every route. China Southern’s strength is Asia–Europe and Asia–Australasia. It’s less useful for Africa–Europe travellers or routes within the Middle East. If your journey doesn’t naturally pass through East Asia, the detour via Guangzhou can add significant travel time.
- Consider alternatives for some corridors. For certain routes, Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) may be more direct.
Other Alternatives Worth Knowing About
China Southern is one option, but not the only one. Here’s how the main non-Gulf alternatives compare:
| Airline | Hub | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Southern | Guangzhou | South Asia / SE Asia to Europe, Australasia | 240-hour visa-free transit in China; less useful for Africa–Europe routes |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | South Asia / MENA to Europe, Africa | Widest network reach; Istanbul airspace remains open |
| Singapore Airlines | Singapore | SE Asia / Australasia to Europe | Premium service; may be pricier than other alternatives |
| Cathay Pacific | Hong Kong | SE Asia / East Asia to Europe, North America | Similar routing to China Southern but different network coverage |
The right choice depends on where you’re starting, where you’re going, and what matters most to you on price, travel time and connections. Searching for flights on Wego is a good way to compare options across carriers for your specific route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that Gulf airspace has reopened, is an alternative carrier still worth it?
It can be. The ceasefire is holding and Gulf carriers are operating again, so for many routes the Gulf hubs work fine. But the 3 June strike on Kuwait’s airport shows disruption can return at short notice. A routing through Guangzhou stays clear of the region entirely, which is worth weighing if your travel dates are fixed. Compare both before booking.
Does China Southern fly direct from India to Europe?
Not directly. You would connect through Guangzhou. China Southern operates flights from Delhi to Guangzhou, and from Guangzhou onward to cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The connection adds travel time compared to a Gulf carrier’s one-stop, but avoids the disrupted airspace.
Do I need a visa to transit through Guangzhou?
If you stay inside the international transit area, no visa is required. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you may qualify for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which covers nationals of 54 countries. Check with the National Immigration Administration of China to confirm your eligibility.
Is China Southern part of any airline alliance?
China Southern left the SkyTeam alliance in 2019. It still has codeshare agreements with airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Air France, Delta and IndiGo, which can help with connecting itineraries and frequent flyer benefits.
How does China Southern compare to Gulf carriers on price?
Pricing varies by route and booking time. China Southern is often competitive on Asia–Europe routes, sometimes undercutting Gulf carriers even before the crisis. With demand for non-Gulf routings up since the conflict began, fares on all alternative carriers have been fluctuating. Compare options on Wego for the most current pricing on your route.
Sources
- EASA — Airspace of the Middle East and Persian Gulf
- Al Jazeera — Iranian Drone Hits Kuwait’s Main Airport
- The National — Flights Resume in Kuwait After Temporary Closure
- Kuwait International Airport — Flight Status
- Qatar Airways — Flight Network Restoration Update
- Emirates — Travel Updates
- National Immigration Administration of China — Visa-Free Transit
- China Southern Airlines — 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
- China Southern Airlines — Baggage Rules
- China Southern Airlines Official Website
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
