Chinese airlines expand overseas routes

Chinese airlines are working to accommodate the ever-growing “China Travel” fever by introducing new overseas routes. 

Beginning 28th April, China Eastern Airlines will launch a direct flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Chinese airline to fly the route. 

The airline will also establish a joint venture agreement with Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier.

Sichuan Airlines, on the other hand, is slated to begin direct flights from Chengdu Tianfu in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province to Penang in Malaysia with five flights per week from 30th April. 

It should be noted that Sichuan Airlines began its commercial charter service from Chengdu to Pokhara, Nepal on Tuesday, 18th March.

Meeting a growing number of international arrivals

The increase in international flight routes among Chinese airlines coincides with a rise in foreign passenger visits at Chinese airports, benefiting from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) China’s international flight routes completed 12.84 million passenger trips in the first two months of 2025. 

This shows growth of 38.6 percent compared to the same period last year, and a 6.5 percent increase over the same period in 2019.

According to Wuhan’s entry-exit border inspection station, 11,600 foreign travelers passed through Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in the first 17 days of March, an increase of 23.83 percent over the same period last year.

These were mostly from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. 

Among them, 4,200 people entered without a visa under the transit policy, marking a significant increase of 158.83 percent year-on-year. 

Approximately 60 percent of all passenger visits are for tourism purposes.