BEIJING: Global and domestic carriers have welcomed China’s decision to ease COVID-19-related restrictions on international travelers, and plan to gradually expand capacity to meet increased demand.
The International Air Transport Association said the reopening of China’s borders in January would have a positive effect on the pace of the economic recovery in the Asia-Pacific region. The lifting of flight restrictions is a positive step forward.
It is crucial that the entire aviation value chain in China be well prepared and adequately resourced to handle the expected surge of travelers, so as to avoid the travel disruptions and problems seen elsewhere in the world when borders reopened, the IATA said.
Starting Sunday, quarantine-free cross-border travel resumed in China after three years.
International arrivals will no longer be subject to quarantine, but still need to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of boarding, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the General Administration of Customs.
US carrier Delta Air Lines said it would continue to monitor the situation and focus on building the foundation for a gradual recovery, in cooperation with its partner China Eastern Airlines.
–The Dialy Mail-China Daily news exchange item
