All Flights on 49 China–Japan Air Routes Cancelled for February 2026

Beijing / Tokyo:

In a major disruption to regional travel, all flights on 49 air routes between China and Japan have been cancelled for February 2026, affecting thousands of passengers across both countries.

According to data from flight information platform Flight Master, as of January 26, 2026, no flights were scheduled to operate on the affected routes throughout February. Major Chinese carriers, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, have confirmed the suspensions and extended special ticket change and refund policies for Japan-related travel.

The cancellations mark a sharp rise in disruption. In January 2026, nearly 47.2 percent of scheduled China–Japan flights were cancelled, up from 39.4 percent in December 2025, highlighting a worsening trend in air connectivity between the two countries.

Airlines Extend Refund and Change Policies

In response, Chinese airlines have extended free-of-charge ticket change and full refund policies until October 24, 2026. Passengers booked on cancelled routes can reschedule their travel or request refunds without penalty, offering relief to those affected during the peak Spring Festival travel season.

Impact on Tourism and Business Travel

The suspension is expected to have a significant impact on tourism and business travel between China and Japan. Japan remains one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, with cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido attracting millions each year. Likewise, China continues to draw Japanese visitors to cultural and commercial hubs including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.

Chinese tourists are a key contributor to Japan’s tourism economy, particularly in retail, hospitality, and cultural experiences. The large-scale flight cancellations are likely to create a temporary gap in tourism revenue during early 2026.

Outlook

Despite the current disruption, industry observers expect the suspension to be temporary, with flights likely to resume once operational conditions stabilize. Airlines are advising passengers to monitor flight updates closely and coordinate with customer service teams for alternative arrangements.

With flexible rebooking options now in place, travelers are being encouraged to reschedule trips for later in 2026, as tourism demand between China and Japan is expected to rebound once normal flight operations resume.