Limited Resumption of U.S.-China Flights Despite the End of Covid

Despite the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the resumption of U.S.-China flights remains minimal, with fewer than 6% of pre-pandemic routes currently operational, according to a report by Nomura. While flights between China’s mainland and other countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Italy have largely returned to pre-pandemic frequency, the same cannot be said for U.S.-China routes.

Recently, an Air China flight between Beijing and New York marked the first direct passenger service on the route by a Chinese carrier in months. This follows the approval of four new weekly flights between the two countries by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May.

Reports suggest that U.S.-based airlines have been reluctant to resume many flights between the U.S. and China due to the added costs associated with flying over Russian airspace. These costs, estimated at $2 billion per year for major U.S. carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines, have given Chinese carriers a competitive advantage.

Representatives from Delta, United, and American Airlines did not provide comments regarding the matter.

In January, Beijing relaxed border controls and eliminated inbound quarantine requirements after nearly three years, while also facilitating visa issuance for travel to and from the Chinese mainland. Despite these measures, the resumption of U.S.-China flights remains limited.