Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Kansai Airport Sees 48% Drop in China-Bound Departures Over New Year Period

Officials point to strained Japan–China relations following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks as the likely cause.

Overview

  • Provisional counts show 747,620 total arrivals and departures at Kansai Airport from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4, down 2% year over year.
  • Departures to China fell to 55,170, dropping China from the top destination last year to third behind South Korea and Taiwan.
  • South Korea drew 127,990 travelers and Taiwan 59,970, reflecting a marked shift in destination preferences.
  • Roughly 70% of travelers during the period were foreign nationals, totaling 515,430 people.
  • Kansai Airport Co. reported December China flight operations at about 60% of December 2024 levels, while Chubu Airport also logged a steep fall in China-bound departures to 5,680 and an overall 8% decline to 148,030 travelers.