China’s airlines add 2,900 flights to Europe as Russia access pays dividends | South China Morning Post

VirtualRichDream · 2026-03-27T02:12:51+00:00

Chinese airlines are set to add nearly 2,900 flights to Europe this summer, benefiting from direct routes through Russian airspace amid geopolitical tensions. Major carriers like Air China and China Southern are significantly increasing their schedules.

VirtualRichDream

2026-03-27 02:12:51

Abstract generation in progress

China’s airlines are expected to add nearly 2,900 more China-Europe flights to their summer schedules compared with last year, analysts said, as the US-Israel war on Iran hands them an even greater competitive advantage over other global carriers.

Unlike many Western airlines, Chinese carriers can fly directly through Russian airspace to Europe rather than taking a lengthy detour, allowing them to offer quicker flights, save on fuel and avoid sending planes over the Middle East.

The number of European flights offered by Chinese airlines will rise by a net 2,891, with flagship carrier Air China adding 1,120, China Southern Airlines adding 839 and China Eastern Airlines adding 654, according to data compiled by the British aviation intelligence firm OAG.

Smaller Chinese carriers including Hainan Airlines also have plans to increase their China-Europe flights, OAG said, with the announced schedules covering a period running from the end of March to October.

Airlines anticipate establishing new China-Europe routes as well, OAG said. A single route can operate numerous flights.

Russia has banned a host of European and North American airlines from its airspace over their home countries’ sanctions against Moscow relating to the war in Ukraine, which has handed Chinese carriers a major advantage on China-Europe routes.

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