Beijing capital airport prepares for big rise in int'l flights

Passengers are seen at the Beijing Capital International Airport on Friday. (Photo by Luo Wangshu/chinadaily.com.cn)

Beijing Capital International Airport is gearing up for a robust international flight schedule during the upcoming 2024 winter-spring civil aviation season, which begins this Sunday and runs until March 29, 2025.

According to the airport's report on Friday, the airport expects an average of 176 daily international flights, serving 82 overseas destinations, marking a slight increase compared to the same period last year.

This season, two new international destinations have been added — Basra, Iraq, and Vladivostok, Russia — highlighting China's continued effort to expand global air connectivity. This brings the total international routes at Beijing Capital Airport to 82, which is two more than in the 2024 summer season, according to He Yawei, the resource management supervisor at the airport's operations control center.

Despite this growth, the German airline Lufthansa has announced it will suspend its Frankfurt-Beijing route from Oct 27 due to intense competition in the market. The route, which had resumed in 2023 after pandemic-related disruptions, has faced increasing challenges in maintaining profitability against other carriers. Nevertheless, He confirmed that Lufthansa has received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China to operate its flights, leaving room for future adjustments or resumption depending on market conditions.

China's civil aviation sector is steadily recovering post-pandemic, with a focus on expanding international routes and enhancing global mobility. The new season, with its expanded route network, reflects China's aim to cater to growing passenger demand and strengthen ties with various international destinations.

As China's aviation industry navigates the complex dynamics of international competition, the country's leading airports and airlines are adapting to ensure continued growth while addressing market challenges. With more routes on offer, passengers can expect greater options for travel between China and the rest of the world this winter.