UK and China Expand Direct Flight Limit to 150 per Week
赵婷婷
The UK and China have agreed to raise the cap on direct flights from 100 to 150 per week, marking the first 'open skies' deal under London's post-Brexit trade strategy. The agreement aims to boost tourism, trade, and air travel connectivity between the two nations.
The UK government confirmed on January 17 that it had reached an agreement with China to raise the weekly limit on direct flights between the two countries to 150, up from the previous cap of 100. This is the first deal in a series of 'open skies' commitments London is pursuing to expand trade ties after leaving the European Union (Brexit).
According to an announcement from the UK Department for Transport, the new agreement will make it easier for airlines from both countries to increase flight frequencies while promoting tourism and bilateral trade. UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized that loosening flight restrictions is 'an important part of the post-Brexit strategy' to connect the UK with fast-growing markets such as China.
The Chinese Embassy in London also welcomed the move, calling it a positive step in aviation cooperation between the two countries that will help meet the growing travel needs of passengers and businesspeople. Direct flights between the UK and China are currently operated by multiple carriers, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern.
Previously, in August 2021, the two countries had raised the flight cap from 80 to 100 after months of pandemic-related restrictions. The increase to 150 flights per week is expected to take effect later this year, offering more choices for passengers and contributing to the aviation industry's recovery after the pandemic.
