In a significant step towards restoring pre-pandemic air travel, the U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) announced a substantial increase in weekly round-trip flights between China and the United States. Starting March 31st, Chinese passenger airlines will be permitted to boost their flights to 50 per week, up from the current 35.
This move marks a gradual return to normalcy in the U.S.-China air travel market, bringing it to approximately one-third of pre-pandemic levels. The USDOT hailed this approval as a crucial step in normalizing air services between the two countries in anticipation of the upcoming summer travel season.
Bridging the Gap: A Phased Approach to Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic brought international travel to a standstill, severely impacting the aviation industry. In early 2020, stringent restrictions were imposed on flights between China and the U.S. This resulted in a sharp decline in air travel, with both countries only permitted to operate a limited number of flights per week.
However, in recent months, there has been a gradual easing of restrictions and a phased approach to restoring air services. In September 2023, the number of weekly round-trip flights increased from 12 to 18, and subsequently to 24 in October. The USDOT’s recent approval of 35 flights for Chinese carriers in November signaled further progress in reopening the air travel market. The latest increase to 50 flights represents another significant milestone in this recovery process.
A Dialogue for Broadened Horizons
The USDOT continues to engage in productive discussions with China’s aviation regulator, working towards a roadmap for a gradual and broader reopening of air services. This roadmap aims to provide a phased and predictable return to capacity entitlements specified under the U.S.-China agreement.
The objective is to create a framework that allows for the restoration of air travel capacity between the two countries while ensuring safety and efficiency. This dialogue underscores the commitment to fostering cooperation and facilitating the smooth flow of air traffic.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Ties
The increase in flights between China and the U.S. is expected to have a positive impact on tourism and economic ties. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed her desire to promote travel and tourism between the two countries during her visit to China last year.
According to Raimondo, if China returned to 2019 levels of U.S. tourism, it would contribute approximately billion to the U.S. economy and generate 50,000 new jobs. This potential economic boost highlights the importance of fostering air connectivity between the two countries.
In line with this goal, China recently simplified visa applications for U.S. tourists, reducing the number of required documents. This move is seen as a positive step towards encouraging tourism and revitalizing the travel industry.
After facing a slump during the pandemic, China is actively taking steps to revive its tourism sector and stimulate its economy. The increase in flights and the simplification of visa applications are part of a larger strategy to attract international visitors and boost the country’s economic growth.
As the world recovers from the pandemic, the restoration of air travel connectivity between China and the U.S. symbolizes a renewed commitment to cooperation and the promotion of economic development and cultural exchange.
