The skies between China and the United States are not as busy as they once were. Travelers seeking to journey between these two major economies are finding limited options and high airfares, particularly for direct flights connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 150 weekly round-trip flights were operated by each side, connecting families, businesses, and cultures across the Pacific. Today, despite gradual increases in flight numbers, the availability remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced that, starting from March 31, Chinese carriers can operate 50 weekly round trips to the United States, up from 35. While this is a step forward, it is still a far cry from the bustling air traffic of the past. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is expected to reciprocate, allowing American carriers the same number of flights.
The limited flight options have led to exorbitant ticket prices and inconvenient travel itineraries for passengers. The absence of an “open skies” agreement between China and the United States means that flight numbers are subject to negotiation between the two countries’ aviation authorities, rather than being determined by market demand.
China has fully reopened its borders, welcoming foreign visitors with visa-free entry policies for several countries. This openness raises the question: why are there still so few flights, especially direct ones, between the two nations’ major cities?
The answer may lie in the ongoing negotiations and regulatory considerations between the aviation authorities. As both countries navigate post-pandemic recovery, increasing flight availability could not only meet passenger demand but also foster economic and cultural exchanges.
For now, travelers between China and the United States must contend with limited choices and higher costs. Many hope that the skies will soon open wider, restoring the connectivity that once brought the two sides closer together.
Reference(s):
Where have the flights from Beijing to Washington or New York gone?
cgtn.com
