China is gearing up to meet the soaring demand for international travel during the upcoming Spring Festival holidays by adding over 2,500 new international flights. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced on Monday that airlines are planning a significant increase in both scheduled and charter flights to accommodate the travel surge.
“Airlines in China plan to add more than 2,500 new international scheduled flights and charter flights,” said Liang Nan, director of the CAAC’s transport department, during a press conference. The expansion reflects the strong demand for international flights as Chinese travelers prepare for the busy holiday season.
Destinations across Asia are set to benefit from the increased connectivity. Additional flights to Japan and Thailand will exceed 600, while more than 200 flights will be added to the Republic of Korea (ROK), 150 to Singapore, and 100 to Malaysia and Indonesia. Liang noted that there will also be new flights to countries in Oceania and Europe, broadening travel options for Chinese passengers.
The peak in outbound travel is expected during the Spring Festival holidays, with nearby countries becoming popular choices due to more relaxed visa policies and streamlined customs procedures. “Countries like Japan, the ROK, and nations in Southeast Asia are becoming hot choices for travelers,” Liang added.
Several countries have introduced favorable visa policies to attract Chinese tourists. In September 2023, Thailand approved a temporary visa waiver for visitors from China, which is set to expire on February 29. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, recently stated that China and Thailand are in close communication regarding mutual visa exemptions.
Malaysia and Singapore have announced 30-day visa-free travel for Chinese citizens, further facilitating travel between these nations. On December 1, 2023, China began allowing visitors from Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to enter the country without a visa, enhancing inbound tourism opportunities.
Additionally, China resumed visa-free entry for visitors from Singapore holding ordinary passports in late July 2023, strengthening bilateral travel ties.
As the Spring Festival approaches, the increased flight capacity and favorable visa arrangements are expected to boost tourism and cultural exchanges between China and other countries, offering travelers expanded opportunities to explore global destinations.
Reference(s):
China to add over 2,500 int'l flights over Spring Festival holidays
cgtn.com
