Asian airlines welcome China’s easing travel restrictions but no schedule changes expected
Staff, 2022-11-11 10:23:58,
Asian airline executives have reacted positively to China’s decision to ease inbound travel procedures, but said the announcement would not trigger immediate changes to their flight schedules.
“It is always encouraging to get updates like this, especially from China which is a big market for Malaysia. We are hopeful that the reopening momentum will continue,” Izham Ismail, group CEO of Malaysia Airlines, told TTG Asia.
Malaysia Airlines currently flies twice a week to Guangzhou with limited capacity, and has long redirected operations elsewhere in response to China’s steely travel restrictions.
As rescheduling flights requires time and careful planning, Izham said Malaysia Airlines would “stick to our plans”.
“We normally plan our capacity every summer and winter season, and the next change would only come in March 2023. Even if China reopens tomorrow, it is not possible for us to redirect our flights there,” he explained.
“However, the next season will coincide with our optimistic projection that China will resume international travel in 2Q2023,” he said.
Some airlines are also choosing to hold their horses for now, as the restriction updates are regarded as too slight to inspire a spike in travel interest.
“While this is a step in the right direction, it is still not enough to move the needle for a major reinstatement…
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