China has cancelled all scheduled flights on 49 air routes linking the mainland to Japan for the month of February, according to fresh aviation data, signalling a further cooling of cross-border travel between the two countries. The move comes as Chinese airlines extend special ticket change and refund arrangements for passengers with Japan-bound bookings, following official travel advisories issued by Beijing.
Flight data from an industry tracking platform showed that, as of Jan 26, all February services on these 49 routes had been withdrawn. This marks an increase compared to January, when nearly half of all flights from mainland China to Japan were already cancelled. In that month alone, the cancellation rate stood at just over 47 per cent, reflecting a noticeable decline in travel demand.
The situation highlights how geopolitical tensions and official guidance can rapidly reshape regional air travel patterns, particularly on routes heavily reliant on leisure travellers. Japan has traditionally been one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, especially during peak holiday periods such as the Lunar New Year.
Major Airlines Roll Out Flexible Ticket Policies
China’s three largest domestic carriers – Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines – issued notices on Jan 26 outlining special arrangements for passengers affected by the changes. These measures allow eligible travellers to make a one-time ticket change without penalty or to apply for a full refund on unused segments, subject to certain conditions.
The policies apply to tickets that were purchased or reissued before midday on Jan 26. They also cover Japan-related flights scheduled between late March and late October, spanning destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Okinawa. Any fare differences arising from changes will still need to be paid by passengers.
These latest measures build on earlier adjustments made by the same airlines late last year. In December 2025, the carriers had already extended deadlines for free refunds and rebooking, pushing them to the end of the winter-spring travel season in March. That earlier decision was taken as airlines sought to manage weakening demand and rising uncertainty surrounding Japan travel.
Geopolitical Tensions Behind Capacity Cuts
The reduction in flights follows travel reminders issued by China’s foreign ministry in mid-November, which discouraged citizens from visiting Japan. Those advisories were released after comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan, which drew criticism from Beijing and heightened diplomatic strain.
Since then, Chinese airlines have steadily recalibrated their capacity on Japan routes, with the deepest cuts affecting leisure-focused services. Industry observers note that such routes are more sensitive to public sentiment and official guidance, making them the first to be scaled back during periods of tension.
For travellers in the region, including those in Singapore who often transit through major Asian hubs, the cancellations underscore how quickly regional connectivity can be disrupted by political developments. While business travel between China and Japan has also been affected, the impact has been most pronounced among holidaymakers.
At this stage, there has been no indication of when normal flight schedules might resume. Much will depend on the broader diplomatic climate and whether travel advisories are eased in the coming months. Until then, passengers with Japan travel plans are advised to monitor airline announcements closely and take advantage of flexible refund and rebooking options where available.