The China Air Transport Association stated today that the country’s international routes will operate normally during the May 1st holiday, despite the increase in fuel costs due to the war in the Middle East.
According to data from the entity, cited by China Central Television, the weekly schedule of international passenger flights remains, in general terms, at levels similar to last year, with an increase of 5.5% expected during the festive period, between May 1st and 5th.
In Southeast Asia, one of the most sought-after destinations by Chinese travelers at this time, airlines will make 487,000 seats available, 48,000 more than in the same period last year, of which 248,000 have already been sold, an offer that “fully satisfies the demand,” according to the association.
Major routes to cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Phnom Penh maintain normal operations, while adjustments are focused on less popular tourist destinations or secondary lower-density connections.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: Chinese airlines add fuel surcharges amid oil price
In the case of Oceania, frequencies from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane also do not record relevant changes.
Several Chinese airlines also indicated that the number of flights scheduled for the holiday increased compared to last year.
China Southern Airlines, for example, plans to operate more than 2,100 flights to Southeast Asia, a year-on-year increase of 11%, as well as 257 flights to Australia and New Zealand, up 42%.
Carriers also promised to activate emergency mechanisms in case of large-scale cancellations, including priority rebooking of passengers on other flights and free changes or refunds.
The war by the United States and Israel against Iran has already caused a direct increase in energy and logistics costs in China, forcing temporary interventions to limit the rise in fuel prices and fueling concerns about the impact on the Strait of Hormuz, subject to intermittent blockades by Iran and the United States and through which about 45% of Chinese oil and gas imports transit.
