Flight bookings surge as China ends its zero-COVID policy
Photo: Shutterstock
China’s aviation regulator plans to restore flight capacity to 70% of pre-pandemic levels by January 6, and to 88% by January 31.
China’s decision to ditch its harsh zero-COVID policy has triggered a surge in flight bookings, according to the latest data from airline industry analysts.
On December 7, 2022, Chinese government announced that a negative PCR test would no longer be required for air travel between provinces within China.
Domestic flight bookings immediately surged 56% on the previous week and continued to increase 69% the following week.
On December 26, China removed all COVID-related restrictions on domestic air travel; and bookings surged again, reaching 50% of 2019’s level in the final week of the year.
As of January 3, 2023, domestic flight bookings during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, January 7 – February 15, were 71% behind pre-pandemic (2019) levels and 8% behind last year, with the most popular destinations being Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, Sanya, Shenzhen, Haikou, Guangzhou and Chongqing.
Before the announcement on December 7, they were 91% behind 2019.
China’s aviation regulator plans to restore flight capacity to 70% of pre-pandemic levels by January 6, and to 88% by January 31.
However, a full recovery is not possible immediately, as the industry needs some time to re-hire staff and meet all flight safety and service requirements.
Also announced on December 26, and taking effect on January 8, were the end of the cap on the number of international flights to China and quarantine measures.
In addition, Chinese citizens can now renew expired passports and apply for new ones.
Outbound flight bookings between December 26 and January 3 jumped 192% compared to same period last year, but they are still 85% behind pre-pandemic levels.
Currently, the most popular roundtrips are to Macau, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt.
Notably, bookings to Abu Dhabi which has traditionally been a major gateway between China and the West, are 51% behind 2019.
Looking at onward bookings from there, 11% will go to Paris, 9% to Barcelona, 5% to London, 3% to Munich and 3% to Manchester.
67% of bookings made between December 26 and January 3 were for travel during the Chinese New Year period.
Although Chinese New Year is likely to see international travel rebound for the first time in three years, the industry will need to wait longer before it sees a resurgence in Chinese tourists exploring the globe.
The reasons are:
First, current scheduled international flight capacity is only at 10% of 2019’s level; and owing to approval requirements for traffic rights and airport slots, it will be difficult for airlines to gear back up in less than a few months.
Second, Ticket prices remain high, with average air fares in December 160% higher than in 2019. That said, there has been a downward trend since June, when quarantine was reduced from three weeks to seven days, and then to five days in November.
Third, some destinations, including the US, the UK, India, Qatar, Canada, Australia and all 27 EU member countries now require a pre-flight COVID-19 test for Chinese visitors; and others, such as Japan, South Korea and Italy, will impose testing on arrival and quarantine for those who test positive.
source: eTN
