Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-07-07 12:12Core Viewpoint - China Southern Airlines has recently canceled multiple direct flights to Japan due to intense competition in the market, leading to a significant adjustment in capacity and a strategic decision to prioritize profitability over maintaining certain routes [1][10][13]. Flight Cancellations - Several flights from Shanghai Pudong to Osaka (CZ8389, CZ8390), Shenzhen to Osaka (CZ8425, CZ8426), and Guangzhou to Nagoya (CZ6055, CZ6056) have been canceled, primarily affecting dates in August and September [3][4]. - Customers received cancellation notifications but were not informed of the reasons behind the cancellations, leading to confusion and inconvenience [3][8]. Market Competition - The competitive landscape includes Eastern Airlines dominating the Shanghai route with more flights and higher customer loyalty, while Hong Kong's lower prices and greater flight availability are diverting passengers from Southern Airlines [10][11]. - Data indicates that Eastern Airlines accounted for 19.6% of the planned flights on the Japan routes during the summer travel season, while Southern Airlines only held a 9.9% share [10]. Pricing Dynamics - Flight prices from Hong Kong to Osaka are significantly lower than those from Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with the lowest fares from Hong Kong around 588 yuan, compared to Shenzhen's minimum of 1099 yuan and Guangzhou's 800 yuan [11][13]. - Promotional activities by foreign airlines, such as "buy one get one free" offers, have further intensified market competition [13]. Capacity Adjustment - Southern Airlines has reduced its flight frequency on certain routes, canceling over 20 round trips weekly while still maintaining nearly 130 round trips, which represents a 55% year-on-year increase [9][10]. - The airline is reallocating its capacity to more profitable domestic routes in response to the competitive pressures and lower demand for Japan flights [13].