China’s air travel industry is poised for a record-breaking year in 2024, with passenger flights expected to reach a staggering 700 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This remarkable recovery signifies the strong rebound of the Chinese economy and a renewed enthusiasm for travel.
Song Zhiyong, head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), revealed this optimistic forecast at the Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety on Tuesday. The CAAC’s projection is based on the robust growth observed in the first half of 2024, where passenger trips increased by a significant nine percent compared to the same period in 2019.
This surge in air travel is driven by a combination of factors. Domestic travel within China has witnessed a significant uptick, as evidenced by the 47.4% year-on-year increase in tourism revenue during the Lunar New Year holidays earlier this year. This surge in domestic travel surpassed pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong desire for exploration within the country.
Furthermore, international travel is experiencing a resurgence, boosted by events like the Paris Olympic Games. Demand for flights to and from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Europe has seen a significant increase, highlighting the growing appeal of international destinations for Chinese travelers.
China’s 2024 air travel forecast surpasses the 619.6 million passenger trips recorded in 2023, underscoring the robust recovery of the aviation sector. The anticipated record-breaking year highlights China’s economic resilience and the increasing desire of its citizens to explore both domestic and international destinations.
