Chinese Airlines Are Gaining Fast as Western Carriers Exit Market
Skift Take
The increasing cost pressures to avoid Russian airspace for flights to China have put Western airlines in a difficult situation. This has forced them to consider halting flights to China, which in turn is benefitting Chinese airlines.
Skift Pro and Skift Research subscribers are able to read this exclusive extract from the latest Skift Research report. Get more insights from Skift Research to stay ahead of the industry.
In early August, British Airways announced that it would soon stop flying to Beijing – Shanghai is now the only city it flies to in China.
British Airways joins a growing number of airlines pulling out of China. Virgin Atlantic will pull out entirely starting in November. Qantas is leaving too, citing low demand.
What's driving these exits? Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western airlines have been prohibited from flying over Russian airspace. Consequently, they must take alternative, longer routes to reach t
