China Eases Foreign Airline Flight Restrictions... Impact Likely Limited

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] As Chinese aviation authorities partially ease restrictions on foreign airlines' operations, attention is focused on the possibility of resuming flights by Korean carriers. However, since measures such as the '14-day mandatory quarantine' have not been lifted, many believe it will be difficult to see a substantial increase in demand and supply.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on the 4th, China will allow foreign airlines to operate flights within the country starting from the 8th. The target is one city designated by each foreign airline, and each airline will be able to operate one flight per week on the designated route.

If no positive cases are detected in COVID-19 tests for three consecutive weeks, the number of flights will increase from once a week to twice a week. Under this measure, airlines meeting the conditions can increase the number of flights on the designated route up to twice a week.

Previously, the CAAC maintained a 'one airline, one route' policy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, Korean Air operated one weekly flight to Shenyang, Asiana Airlines to Changchun, and Jeju Air to Weihai, each maintaining one route once a week. They had been reviewing the resumption of international flights this month, including routes to China, but canceled plans as Chinese authorities maintained the one airline, one route restriction.

However, industry insiders widely believe that this measure will not lead to a full-scale expansion of demand and supply. The 14-day mandatory quarantine remains in place, and regulatory levels are still high.