Foreign tourists wearing traditional costumes pose for souvenir photos at Yu Yuan Garden in Shanghai, China, on January 1st. Photo: Yuan Jing .
European airlines are increasing flights to China despite facing high operating costs due to the inability to fly through Russian airspace, according to aviation analysts.
British aviation data company OAG says the number of direct flights between China and Europe is expected to increase from 3,011 this month to a peak of 4,151 in August, the peak summer season. This compares to the current number of flights in May, but only increased to 3,393 in August.
According to SCMP , data shows that the majority of the increase came from Chinese airlines, but many European airlines also expanded their operations on routes to China, including Air France, British Airways, Finnair, Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss International Air Lines, and Turkish Airlines.
According to OAG, European airlines (excluding Russian carriers) are expected to operate 508 flights on China-Europe routes this month, before increasing to 551 flights in July and August. During the same period last year, the frequency only increased from 445 to 463 flights.
International tourists are learning the Chinese greeting when they visit . Photo: Xinhua.
Unlike Chinese airlines, European airlines have been banned from flying over Russian airspace since 2022 due to sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. This forces them to fly longer routes, extending travel times and consuming more fuel.
Airline fuel costs have also risen sharply this year due to tensions in the Middle East. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the price of aviation fuel on May 1st was $181.22 per barrel.
Experts suggest another reason airlines are prioritizing increased flights to China is that popular routes between Europe and Southeast Asia are becoming more difficult to operate due to the risks associated with transiting Iranian airspace. Meanwhile, China has been continuously easing its visa-free policy for European visitors since 2023.
Independent aviation analyst Li Hanming said that demand for travel to China from European tourists is surging. According to him, the disruption to many flights to Southeast Asia has made China a more attractive option for European travelers this summer.
A group of Mexican tourists and their tour guide (far left) pose for a commemorative photo at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China, on January 7. Photo: Xinhua.
According to OAG estimates, having to fly around Russia adds 2-3 hours to each flight between China and Europe, increasing costs by at least $10,000 per hour. This gives Chinese airlines a significant competitive advantage on European routes.
An Air France representative said the airline will increase the number of flights on the Shanghai-Paris route from 7 to 10 per week in September and October. By September, Air France and its partner airline KLM will operate a total of 29 flights per week, connecting Beijing and Shanghai with Paris and Amsterdam.
According to the airline, this expansion reflects increasing market demand. Air France-KLM also stated that some passengers are now avoiding transit routes through the Gulf region, leading to a surge in demand for direct flights between Asia and Europe in recent months. To meet this trend, the airline has deployed larger aircraft and increased capacity on several key routes.