China’s airlines add 2,900 flights to Europe as Russia access pays dividends
Chinese carriers have a major advantage over other global airlines due to their access to Russian airspace and ability to bypass the Middle East
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.