In recent years, European airlines have significantly reduced their direct flights to China. In 2019, Finnair operated 42 direct flights per week from Helsinki to China, but by 2024, this number has dropped to just three. Virgin Atlantic and SAS Scandinavian Airlines have completely withdrawn from the Chinese market, while major European carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and LOT Polish Airlines have similarly cut back on their flights to China.
Closure of Russian Airspace and Rising Costs
One of the key reasons for these reductions is the closure of Russian airspace to European aircraft, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This has extended flight times to Far East destinations like China by 10% to 40%, significantly increasing fuel and crew costs. Fuel accounts for about 25% of an airline’s operational expenses, and longer flight durations necessitate additional crew rotations, further driving up costs for airlines.
Decreasing Demand and Economic Slowdown in China
In addition to the economic slowdown in China, there is a noticeable decline in outbound travel demand. Official figures show that the number of foreign visitors to China has dropped from 49.1 million pre-pandemic to just 17.25 million by July of this year. Tensions in economic relations and China’s weakening economy are prompting European companies to lower their demand projections for flights to China.
Competitive Advantage of Chinese Airlines
Chinese airlines, on the other hand, enjoy a competitive edge as they are still able to use Russian airspace, allowing them to operate shorter routes between Europe and China. This year, 82% of Europe-China flights have been operated by Chinese carriers. Moreover, Chinese airlines are continuing to strengthen their position in the market by adding 18 new routes to Europe this winter season.
Strategic Shift in Focus for European Airlines
While some airlines, like Finnair, are scaling back in the Chinese market, they are increasing flights to other Asian destinations, particularly Thailand, as part of a search for alternative markets. The weakening Chinese economy and the strategy of European carriers to shift their routes toward more profitable regions are contributing to the ongoing reduction in flights to China.
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