The U.S. Transportation Department announced on Monday that it will allow Chinese passenger airlines to increase their weekly round-trip flights to 50 starting on March 31, up from the current 35. This decision marks a significant step towards returning the U.S.-China aviation market to nearly one-third of pre-pandemic levels and comes as a part of the ongoing efforts to normalize travel between the two countries.
According to the USDOT, the approval of additional flights is aimed at further normalizing the U.S.-China market in anticipation of the Summer 2024 traffic season. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights were permitted by each side. However, restrictions imposed in early 2020 led to a significant reduction in air travel between the two countries.
Until August 2023, both Chinese and U.S. carriers were limited to operating only 12 flights per week between the two countries. This number gradually increased, with the allowance rising to 18 weekly round-trips on September 1, and then further to 24 per week starting October 29. In November, the USDOT approved 35 weekly flights for Chinese carriers, reflecting a gradual easing of restrictions.
The decision to increase the number of weekly flights for Chinese airlines has been met with support from Airlines for America, a group representing major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These airlines currently operate a combined total of 31 weekly flights to China. In a statement, Airlines for America expressed its support for the U.S. government’s approach to slowly and reciprocally reopen the market with China, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this gradual approach.
As international travel continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the increase in weekly flights between the U.S. and China signals a positive development for both countries’ aviation industries and for travelers seeking to reconnect with loved ones, conduct business, or explore new destinations.
