China Southern Airlines will make history this December by launching its first-ever direct flight between China and Spain. Starting December 2, 2025, the carrier will operate a Guangzhou–Madrid route, marking a major milestone in China’s post-pandemic international recovery and strengthening ties between Asia and Southern Europe. The new connection positions Madrid as a key hub for Chinese travelers heading to the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America.
Details of the New Service
The new flights will run three times per week, using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipped with business and economy cabins. Flight CZ605 will depart Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in the morning and land at Madrid–Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport later the same day, with the return flight CZ606 operating overnight to connect smoothly with domestic and Southeast Asian schedules in Guangzhou. The schedule has been designed to link efficiently with China Southern’s growing network across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.
This new route also makes China Southern the first Chinese carrier to fly directly to Spain, expanding beyond its traditional European gateways in Paris, Amsterdam, and London. Spain’s tourism officials have welcomed the launch, noting that Chinese visitor numbers are expected to surge following the easing of visa procedures and the growing interest in Spain as a cultural and luxury shopping destination.
Strategic Expansion in Europe
The move forms part of China Southern’s broader European expansion plan under its 2025–2026 winter schedule. The airline aims to rebuild its long-haul network by restoring capacity to key European capitals while opening new markets. Alongside Madrid, additional route adjustments are planned for Frankfurt, Rome, and Vienna, reflecting rising business and tourism demand.
A spokesperson for China Southern said the new route underscores the airline’s commitment to “deepening connectivity between China and Europe through sustainable, efficient, and passenger-focused operations.” Aviation analysts also view the launch as a strategic step ahead of increasing competition from Middle Eastern carriers linking China with Southern Europe.
A New Gateway Between East and West
With the Madrid route, China Southern opens a direct gateway connecting the dynamic business regions of the Pearl River Delta with one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. The service not only strengthens China–Spain trade and tourism links but also reflects the gradual normalization of long-haul travel after several years of global disruption.
Travelers can now expect faster, more seamless access between China and Spain, a move that could set the stage for further route expansions into other Iberian and Mediterranean destinations in the coming years.
