China is set to enhance its international flight network to cater to rising tourism demand, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The new schedule, effective from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027, will see a significant increase in flight frequencies and the introduction of new routes across various regions.
The expanded schedule encompasses 16,654 international passenger flights per week, connecting China with 84 countries. Notable increases in flight frequencies have been recorded in regions including Central Asia, South Asia, North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Services between China and 17 countries, such as India, Kazakhstan, Canada, and Belgium, have surged by over 40% compared to the previous year.
In a bid to further extend its aviation network, China is adding eight new international destinations, with airlines introducing scheduled passenger services to Iceland, Madagascar, and Jordan. The surge in international travel reflects growing demand for both inbound and outbound tourism, with flight services connecting China to 15 major inbound tourism markets, including Singapore and Malaysia, seeing a 14.4% year-on-year increase.
Major Chinese airlines are actively expanding their international reach. Air China will introduce new routes, including services from Beijing to Reykjavik via Copenhagen, as well as to Bali and Hanoi. Meanwhile, China Southern Airlines is increasing flights to destinations such as Jeju Island and Langkawi, and enhancing services to Australia and New Zealand. Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport are also ramping up their international operations, with the former scheduling an average of 252 passenger flights daily.
Domestically, Chinese airlines are launching 288 new routes to connect smaller cities and regional destinations with major economic centers. Winter tourism hotspots like Yanji in Jilin province and Altay in Xinjiang are experiencing a rise in flight bookings, indicating a boost in domestic tourism.
Overall, 216 Chinese and international airlines plan to operate approximately 116,000 passenger and cargo flights weekly during the winter-spring season. The biannual revision of airline schedules aims to accommodate seasonal travel demand, optimize flight operations, and enhance both domestic and international connectivity, ultimately supporting tourism, business travel, and broader international exchanges.