Key Facts
• On January 26, Chinese economic media reported cancellation of all flights on 49 Japan-China routes for next month.
• This is an increase of 3 routes from 46 canceled the previous month.
• Affected routes include Osaka-Beijing and Kobe-Nanjing among others.
• China’s Spring Festival holiday starts February 15, lasting 9 days.
• Historically, many Chinese tourists visit Japan during this period.
• Tourist numbers to Japan are expected to drop significantly compared to last year.
• Chinese airlines extended free cancellation of Japan route tickets from late March to October 24.
• On January 26, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan before the Spring Festival.
• The flight cancellations are seen as a response to this travel advisory.
Summary
Ahead of the 9-day Spring Festival starting February 15, China has intensified calls to avoid travel to Japan. Chinese media reported that all flights on 49 routes connecting Japan and China will be canceled next month, up from 46 routes canceled previously. Key routes such as Osaka-Beijing and Kobe-Nanjing are affected. This move is expected to cause a sharp decline in Chinese tourists visiting Japan during the holiday, a period that usually sees high travel volume. Additionally, Chinese airlines have extended the free cancellation period for Japan-bound tickets until October 24, reflecting ongoing travel restrictions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ renewed advisory against travel to Japan appears to have prompted these cancellations, signaling heightened tensions and travel limitations between the two countries during this peak travel season.
