China's international air passenger traffic jumps 34% in first quarter

China's aviation sector has recorded a strong rebound in international travel, with airlines carrying 34 per cent more overseas passengers in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. This is reported by Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS. The growth highlights the rapid recovery of cross-border air travel following pandemic restrictions.

Authorities reported that nearly 19 million international passengers flew with Chinese carriers during the quarter, exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 4.5 per cent. The most dramatic increases came on routes to Africa (up 241 per cent), Central Asia (233 per cent), and West Asia (91 per cent).

The expansion comes as China continues to restore its global flight network, with connections now available to 78 countries, which is four more than in 2019. Industry analysts note the recovery reflects both pent-up travel demand and policy support, including simplified visa rules that allow visitors from 38 countries to enter China without visas for short stays. These measures helped to drive a 96 per cent annual increase in foreign tourist arrivals last year, with first-quarter 2025 figures up 40 per cent year on year.

Aviation officials report steady improvements on traditional routes to Asia and Europe, alongside expanded service to emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and the South Pacific, signalling China's broader push to strengthen global transportation links.

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