BEIJING – China has extended its directive for its airlines to curtail flights to Japan through March 2026, according to a report by Bloomberg, signaling continued strain in bilateral relations.
The extension of the flight reductions, initially implemented due to political tensions stemming from recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae regarding Taiwan, impacts travel for both Chinese and Japanese citizens and affects the revenue streams of numerous airlines. chinese carriers have been instructed to maintain schedule adaptability and align operations with the evolving state of diplomatic ties.
Airlines affected by the mandate include china Eastern Airlines, Air china, Spring Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Junyao Air, Shanghai Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and Shandong Airlines, among others. At least twelve routes have been reportedly suspended, encompassing destinations such as Sapporo Chitose, Osaka Kansai, niigata, Kobe, Nagoya Chubu, and Fukuoka.
Data from ch‑aviation indicates that China Eastern Airlines currently holds the largest market share with 19.6% and over 88,000 seats offered during the week commencing November 24. Air China follows with 15.1%, and Spring Airlines with 12%.
ch‑aviation has contacted the airlines for statements regarding the extension of the flight reductions.
