Air China is scaling back its flight service to Japan, a move impacting travel plans, particularly during the typically high-demand Spring Festival holiday period. The reduction in flights comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between China and Japan, following recent exchanges regarding Taiwan.
The decision to decrease service affects travelers intending to visit Japan from China and possibly impacts Japanese tourism to China. Officials confirmed the cuts, which were announced following a series of diplomatic responses concerning statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida regarding Taiwan. The Asahi Shimbun reported on the escalating exchange, framing it as a potential crisis situation. While the exact number of flights affected and the duration of the reduction haven’t been fully detailed, the timing coinciding with the Spring festival – a major travel season for Chinese citizens - suggests a significant impact on available routes.