Group 1 - Multiple domestic airlines have extended the free cancellation and change policy for flights to Japan until March 28, 2026, allowing passengers to modify their travel plans without fees [1] - The decision follows significant criticism of Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's remarks regarding Taiwan, which has led to a decline in travel demand to Japan [1] - As of December 1, over 40% of planned flights from China to Japan have been canceled, totaling more than 1,900 flights, indicating a sharp drop in traveler numbers since mid-November [2] Group 2 - The number of travelers to Japan decreased significantly, with a reported 23% drop in passenger volume on November 25 compared to November 15 [2] - Airlines are monitoring market demand and evaluating passenger cancellation and change requests as they adjust their flight schedules to Japan [1]

Core Insights - The impact of recent statements from the Japanese Prime Minister has led to significant reductions and cancellations of flights between China and Japan, affecting travel plans during peak seasons such as New Year and Spring Festival [1][2] Flight Reductions and Cancellations - Starting December 1, 16 Chinese airlines will reduce weekly flights to Japan by 156, with the most significant cuts from Juneyao Airlines, which will decrease its flights from 114 to 79 per week, a reduction of 31% [1] - China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Eastern Airlines will also see reductions of 23, 22, and 18 flights per week, respectively [1] - The cancellation rate for planned flights to Japan is projected to reach 21.6% by November 27, with 12 routes canceling all flights [1][2] Specific Route Adjustments - High cancellation rates are noted on routes such as Tianjin Binhai to Kansai International (65.0%) and Nanjing Lukou to Kansai International (59.4%) [2] - Smaller airlines like Beijing Capital Airlines are canceling entire routes, such as the Beijing Daxing to Sapporo New Chitose, while Changlong Airlines is canceling all flights in December [2][3] Aircraft Type Adjustments - Airlines are also adjusting aircraft types, with Air China switching from larger Airbus A330-300 to smaller A321 on several routes, reducing passenger capacity [3] - Some airlines, like Shandong Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, have not made any adjustments to their Japan flight schedules [3] Pricing Implications - The reduction in flights is expected to increase travel costs for consumers planning trips to Japan during the winter season, with Spring Airlines raising minimum ticket prices significantly [3] Summary of Flight Adjustments - A detailed table outlines various airlines and their specific flight adjustments, including reductions and cancellations across multiple routes, effective from late November through March 2026 [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant reduction and cancellation of flights between China and Japan due to recent political tensions, affecting travel plans for the upcoming winter and spring seasons [1][2]. Flight Reductions and Cancellations - Starting December 1, 16 Chinese airlines will reduce weekly flights to Japan by 156, with the most significant cuts from Juneyao Airlines, which will decrease its flights from 114 to 79 per week, a reduction of 31% [1]. - China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Eastern Airlines will also see reductions of 23, 22, and 18 flights per week, respectively [1]. - The cancellation rate for planned flights to Japan is projected to reach 21.6% by November 27, with 12 routes already canceling all flights [1][2]. Impact on Travelers - The reduction in flights coincides with the peak travel season for skiing and hot springs in Japan, leading to potential disruptions for travelers planning winter trips [2]. - Specific routes with high cancellation rates include Tianjin Binhai to Kansai International (65.0%) and Nanjing Lukou to Kansai International (59.4%) [2]. Aircraft Type Adjustments - Airlines are not only reducing flight frequencies but also changing aircraft types to smaller models, such as switching from the Airbus A330-300 to the A321, which has a lower passenger capacity [3]. - Some airlines, like Shandong Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, have not made any adjustments to their Japan routes [3]. Price Increases - Spring Airlines has raised the minimum ticket prices for several routes, with the lowest fare for Shanghai to Okinawa reaching 42,900 JPY (approximately 2,000 CNY) [4]. Summary of Adjustments by Airlines - A detailed table lists various airlines and their specific route adjustments, including reductions in frequency and cancellations, with some airlines maintaining their original schedules [5][6][7].

Core Viewpoint - A significant number of flights from China to Japan have been canceled, with a high cancellation rate expected in the coming weeks due to travel warnings and geopolitical tensions [1][5]. Flight Cancellations - As of November 24, 12 routes between China and Japan have canceled all flights, affecting cities like Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Osaka [1]. - The cancellation rate for planned flights to Japan is projected to reach 21.6% by December 27, the highest in a month [2]. - Routes with the highest cancellation rates include Tianjin Binhai to Kansai International (65.0%), Nanjing Lukou to Kansai International (59.4%), and Guangzhou Baiyun to Kansai International (31.3%) [2]. Government Warnings - Multiple Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, have issued warnings advising citizens to avoid travel to Japan [5]. - The Hong Kong government has also updated travel information, urging residents to remain vigilant if traveling to Japan [5]. Airline Adjustments - Chinese airlines are making significant adjustments to their Japan routes, with many flights being closed for booking [5]. - China International Airlines has canceled plans to increase flights from Beijing Capital to Sapporo from four to seven weekly [6]. - Other airlines, such as China Eastern Airlines and Spring Airlines, have also announced reductions in flight frequencies and cancellations across various routes to Japan [8][11][21]. Geopolitical Context - Recent controversial statements by Japan's new Prime Minister have sparked criticism and heightened tensions between China and Japan, contributing to the decline in travel [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant cancellation of flights between China and Japan, primarily due to geopolitical tensions and travel advisories issued by Chinese authorities, leading to a drastic reduction in flight operations and future booking cancellations [9][4]. Flight Cancellations - As of November 24, 12 routes between China and Japan have canceled all flights, affecting cities like Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Osaka [2]. - The cancellation rates for specific routes are notably high, with 100% cancellations reported for several routes including Hangzhou to Central Japan and Nanjing to Fukuoka [3]. Future Cancellation Rates - The cancellation rate for planned flights to Japan is expected to reach 21.6% by December 27, marking the highest level in a month [4]. - Routes with the highest cancellation rates include Tianjin to Kansai International (65.0%) and Nanjing to Kansai International (59.4%) [4]. Airline Adjustments - Chinese airlines are making significant adjustments to their Japan routes, with many flights being closed for booking. This includes reductions in frequency and cancellations of previously planned increases in service [9][11][13]. - Specific adjustments include: - Air China reducing flights from Beijing to Sapporo from 7 to 4 weekly [11]. - China Eastern Airlines closing bookings for 6 out of 14 weekly flights from Beijing to Osaka [16]. - Spring Airlines canceling certain flights from Shanghai to Okinawa starting December 20 [25]. Overall Impact - The overall impact of these cancellations and adjustments indicates a substantial decrease in travel between China and Japan, driven by both political factors and operational decisions by airlines [9][4].