Over 40% of China–Japan flights canceled amid sharp drop in travelers in December

(ECNS) -- Over 40% of scheduled flights from China to Japan in December have been canceled, with the total number exceeding 1,900, according to CCTV News.

Since Nov. 15, the number of travelers heading to Japan has dropped sharply. For example, on Nov. 25, the passenger volume was about 23% lower compared to November 15.

Following the warning issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassy in Japan regarding travel to Japan, several Chinese airlines quickly adjusted their policies for Japan-bound routes. Since November 15, major airlines including Air China and China Southern Airlines have announced free ticket refunds and changes for Japan-bound flights. These policies mainly apply to flights for Chinese citizens traveling to Japan and cover major destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

For a long time, Chinese tourists have been a crucial customer base for Japan’s tourism, dining, and retail industries. After Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made erroneous remarks on Taiwan, the negative impact has continued to spread to Japan’s domestic economy, dealing a blow to sectors that heavily rely on Chinese visitors, particularly tourism and retail.