Overview
- Air China, China Eastern and China Southern are among the carriers extending the waiver, with Air China posting the update on December 5.
- The cutoff moves from December 31 to March 28, 2026, and applies to flights to and from Japan as well as itineraries transiting through Japan.
- Air China said the decision follows a recent travel advisory issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Chinese media report that authorities have urged citizens to avoid travel to Japan and that more than 40% of China–Japan routes are currently suspended.
- Analysts and local reports expect the prolonged waiver to curb Japan-bound travel demand from China.