Hope for UK-China flights restarting

International travel has been one of the hardest hit sectors from the pandemic. While some flight routes reopened and have stayed open since, the key routes between UK-China were frequently suspended due to COVID-19 fears – impacting many UK businesses with a presence in China.

In August 2021, China closed its borders to direct flights from the UK following a surge in Delta cases UK and the Nanjing outbreak. Since then, the government and UK business groups, including the CBI pushed authorities to resume flights.

At the start of 2022, the CAAC (China’s Civil Aviation Authority) and relevant UK/China ministries have agreed to restart flights for a test period of two weeks. Starting in mid-February, the test period will include two return flights from London LHR to Shanghai PVG, with passenger capacity at a maximum of 30%, to understand if current testing measures are useful in stopping the spread of the virus in international travelers. If results show less than five positive cases/flight, then flights will be able to resume.

With all eyes on this test period, businesses hope that UK-China flights can resume with appropriate COVID-secure measures and clear guidance around keeping safe.

Direct flights between the UK and China are key to many UK firms and regardless of the February test outcome, the CBI will continue to champion the voice of your business.

International travel and the reopening of direct flights to mainland China from the UK will remain a key business issue for much of 2022. It will also factor prominently in the forthcoming Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) and China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), from a business perspective.

The CBI will continue to take your insight to the forefront of talks to resume international travel.