Nearly 2,700 China-Japan flights axed in March as diplomatic rift widens
Air China reinstates non-stop Delhi–Beijing service, boosting India-China connectivity
Chinese Visa Centre in Lahore warns of passport-collection delays amid local traffic restrictions
Latest News
Chinese Visa Applications Almost Back to 2019 Levels, Signalling Powerful Restart of Outbound Market
VFS Global says first-quarter 2026 visa applications from mainland Chinese travellers are within touching distance of 2019’s record, led by Schengen countries, the US and UK. The rebound is fuelled by new visa-waiver deals, cheaper fees and pent-up corporate demand, and is prompting airlines and service providers to scale up capacity. Businesses should lock in appointments and airfares early as competition for slots and seats intensifies.
China Eastern Opens Xi’an–Vienna Non-Stop Service, Linking Ancient Silk Road City with Central Europe
China Eastern has launched a three-times-weekly Xi’an–Vienna A330 service, the first non-stop link between north-west China and Austria. The flight shortens passenger and cargo transit times, boosts Central European access to inland China and supports Beijing’s goal of opening interior provinces to global business.
Etihad Unveils Massive China Expansion: Five New Cities and 35 Weekly Flights from Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways will add five mainland Chinese cities—Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu—to its network from October 2026, offering 35 weekly flights from Abu Dhabi. The expansion deepens UAE-China tourism and trade links, provides new cargo capacity and intensifies Gulf competition on China routes, creating cost-saving and scheduling options for corporate travellers.
China Counts 311 International Ports and Unveils Stricter Quarantine List to Safeguard Re-Opening
A People’s Daily report says China now operates 311 international ports and will activate a new invasive-species quarantine catalogue on 1 May 2026. Customs will pair AI detection and smart risk-profiling with tougher penalties for non-compliant cargo, raising the bar for importers but promising faster clearance for trusted traders. Travellers should expect stricter checks on food and biological items in luggage.
State Council Names New Deputy Chief at National Immigration Administration
The State Council has appointed Chi Jingyang as vice-director of the National Immigration Administration, replacing Zhang Yong. Chi’s border-police background suggests continued drive for smarter, faster passenger clearance alongside stricter enforcement against illegal stay and work. Multinationals should watch for new digital-processing pilots and tighten compliance ahead of the busy May holiday season.