Flights in China Surge 34% Above Pre-Pandemic Levels, Reports Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s aviation regulator has announced an increase in domestic flights, now set to be 34% above pre-pandemic levels, a decision that will further enhance the recovery of Chinese airlines.

For the first time in over three years, China’s major airlines reported quarterly profits, sparking optimism that the country’s three main state carriers are finally overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China plans to implement its winter and spring flight schedule starting this Sunday, a program that will continue until March 30.

According to the latest updates, there will be a total of 96,651 domestic flights per week, which is an increase of 34% compared to the same period four years ago, attributed to the addition of 7,202 weekly flights and the launch of 516 new domestic routes.

This expansion in domestic flights emphasizes improving connections between regional airports and major hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

While international flights are recovering at a slower pace, they are gaining momentum, with projections indicating 16,680 weekly flights in the next five months. The number of passenger flights is expected to reach 71% of total flights from four years ago.

Flights to and from 22 countries, including the UK and Italy, have nearly returned to or have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, as reported by the regulator.

During the upcoming winter and spring season, direct passenger flights between China and the United States are anticipated to increase from 48 to 70 each week, according to recent updates.