British Airways to Halt Beijing Flights Amid Airspace Restrictions

British Airways announced plans to halt flights to Beijing from Oct. 26, 2023 until November 2025 due to challenges posed by the ban on flying over Russian airspace. While flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong will continue, the airline's decision underscores the broader difficulties faced by European carriers in the region.

British Airways is suspending its flights to Beijing starting October 26, 2023, continuing until November 2025. This announcement was made on Thursday without further details, amidst European carrier struggles with the Russian airspace ban. The airline, owned by IAG, will maintain daily flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong, but no information was provided on a potential replacement route for Beijing.

European and British airlines face challenges in flying to Asia as the Russian airspace ban extends travel hours and increases costs, making these routes less attractive for customers. BA had only recently resumed its Beijing route following interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flight traffic between China and Europe has been slow to rebound post-COVID restrictions, with many routes now dominated by Chinese airlines. Virgin Atlantic, similarly, announced the end of its Shanghai route in October. Lufthansa and other groups have cited competition from Chinese carriers, who benefit from access to Russian airspace, as a factor affecting earnings. IAG has indicated it remains resilient, focusing on strong demand in North and South America.

(With inputs from agencies.)