More int'l flights scheduled for China's summer-autumn air transport season

China's civil aviation sector began implementing new schedules for its summer-autumn air transport season on Sunday, with international flight services rising 1.8 percent year on year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

The new season, which runs from March 29 to Oct 24, will see 191 airlines operate 21,047 flights per week, up 1.8 percent year over year. The network span 86 countries, with Cyprus being a newly added destination, according to the CAAC.

"Beijing Daxing International Airport is set to launch two new long-haul intercontinental routes: Daxing to Frankfurt and Daxing to Milan, offering fresh and convenient options for business and tourism between China and Europe," Cui Hongqiang, deputy director of the Commercial Committee at Air China, told China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday.

For the summer-autumn season, the number of passenger flights between China and 52 countries, including Canada and Kenya, exceeds those of the same period last year, with both passenger flights and cargo flights between China and major continents showing growth across the board.

On routes between China and Belt and Road partner countries, Chinese carriers account for 74.7 percent of all international flights, up 31.4 percent year on year, emerging as a bright spot in the global market growth.

Meanwhile, the number of international passenger flights between China and 16 major sources of inbound tourists across the world, such as South Korea, the United States and Malaysia, jumps by 13.3 percent compared with that of last year, during the new season.

The number of passenger flights on 16 premium inbound tourism routes, including the one connecting the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar and Beijing, rises 17.1 percent year over year.

Domestically, 61 airlines plan to operate 97,428 passenger flights and 2,538 cargo flights per week during the new season. Among them, 34 carriers will launch 434 new routes, which will mainly link China's northwest, northeast and southwest regions with eastern and central-southern China.

In total, 222 domestic and international airlines plan to operate 121,000 passenger and cargo flights per week during the season, roughly in line with the same period last year.

China's civil aviation sector adjusts flight schedules twice a year, with the summer-autumn season typically running from late March to late October and the winter-spring season from late October to late March of the following year.

More int'l flights scheduled for China's summer-autumn air transport season

China's outbound travel bookings to popular destinations during the upcoming Qingming Festival, such as the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, are surging. This increase is fueled by visa-free policies, streamlined entry procedures, and favorable spring weather.

Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The overlap of student spring breaks in multiple Chinese cities with the Qingming Festival has created an extended travel period from Wednesday to April 6, presenting a significant growth opportunity for the tourism market, according to travel agencies.

Data shows that this extended leave is driving the development of new travel products. The dual-city tour of Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur and Penang has emerged as a popular itinerary, with related searches increasing 230 percent on a weekly basis. Unique experiences like temple blessings and spring markets in Thailand's Bangkok and Chiang Mai are attracting large numbers of young tourists. Thanks to visa-free policies, bookings have surged by 176 percent year on year.

"Destinations like Bali and other islands in Southeast Asia, along with Singapore and cities in Thailand, are among the more popular choices for outbound travel. Most of these are short trips," said Zheng Nan, public relations manager for an online travel platform.

"The spring break policy in many primary and secondary schools has been implemented, leading to a trend of extending holidays for travel during the Qingming Festival. The number of people traveling abroad has increased by about 30 percent compared to the same period last year," said Li Mengran, public relations director for a travel group.

In addition, long-haul Europe-themed tours centered on flower viewing are gaining popularity, offering tourists enriching experiences that blend culture and nature.

"I'm planning to visit the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of Germany. This route is ideal for enjoying tulips in the Netherlands, and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg," said a customer.

Outbound travel bookings surge during upcoming Qingming Festival