Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Chinese airlines have extended the free cancellation and rescheduling period for flights to Japan until October 24, 2026, due to safety concerns raised by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs [2][4] - The extension of the free cancellation and rescheduling policy is a response to warnings about the security situation in Japan, including a rise in criminal cases against Chinese citizens and recent earthquakes [4] - As of January 26, 2026, there has been a significant reduction in flights from China to Japan, with 49 flights canceled or reduced in February, marking a 47.2% decrease in January compared to December 2025, an increase of 7.8 percentage points [4] Group 2 - The three major Chinese airlines involved are China Southern Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines, all of which have announced the extension of the policy [2] - The impact of the extended cancellation policy may affect travel during the upcoming May Day holiday and summer vacation periods [4] - Data from the Japan Department Store Association indicates a 40% year-on-year decrease in both the number of Chinese customers and sales in Japanese department stores as of December 2025 [4]

Group 1 - Major airlines including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines announced a special policy for ticket refunds and changes for flights to and from Japan, applicable for tickets purchased or changed before January 26, 2026, 12:00 PM, for travel dates from March 29, 2026, to October 24, 2026 [1][2] - The policy aims to assist travelers in light of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' warnings regarding travel to Japan, allowing for free changes and cancellations for affected flights [2][3] - As of January 26, 2026, the cancellation rate for flights from mainland China to Japan reached 47.2%, an increase of 7.8 percentage points compared to December 2025, with 49 routes already canceling all flights in February 2026 [3]

Group 1 - Multiple airlines, including Air China, Eastern Airlines, and Southern Airlines, announced special handling policies for tickets related to flights to Japan, effective until January 26, 2026 [1][2] - Air China allows for one free change of tickets purchased before January 26, 2026, for travel dates between March 29, 2026, and October 24, 2026, with no change fee for the first change [1] - Eastern Airlines permits free changes for flights within three days before or after the original flight, with conditions for subsequent changes [2] Group 2 - The collective announcement extends the free cancellation and change policy for Japan routes through the summer and autumn seasons of 2026 [2] - Reports indicate that over 40% of planned flights from China to Japan in December 2025 were canceled, reflecting a significant reduction in travel demand [4] - The number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan in December 2025 dropped by 45.3% year-on-year, with a notable decline in shopping and consumption in Japanese department stores [3][4]