As Middle Eastern Airspace Closes, Chinese Airlines Benefit from Russian Routes with Major Increases in Europe Flights
by Kwon Hyeonji
Published 27 Mar.2026 17:36(KST)
Three Major Chinese Airlines to Add 2,891 Flights
Reduced Flight Times and Fuel Savings Provide Competitive Edge
As the airspace over the Middle East has been closed due to the war between the United States and Israel and Iran, global flight routes are experiencing disruptions. In this situation, Chinese airlines, which are able to fly over Russian airspace, are benefiting as a result.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 27th, citing data from aviation data analytics firm OAG, that for the summer flight schedule running through October this year, China’s major airlines are expected to increase the number of China-Europe flights by a total of 2,891 compared to the previous year.
By airline, Air China will see the largest increase with 1,120 additional flights, followed by China Southern Airlines with 839 flights, and China Eastern Airlines with 654 flights. Other medium- and small-sized carriers such as Hainan Airlines are also planning to expand their routes, leading to expectations of further increases in new China-Europe services by Chinese airlines.
Since the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Western airlines from Europe and North America have been banned from entering Russian airspace. As a result, they have had to take southern or other detour routes instead of the shortest path via Russia when flying between Europe and East Asia. In contrast, Chinese airlines are able to fly over Russian airspace to reach Europe, reducing flight times by two to three hours and saving fuel compared to detour routes. Consequently, some European airlines have reduced their flights to and from China, and Chinese carriers have taken this opportunity to fill the gap and gain a competitive edge.
In this context, when the Middle East war broke out at the end of last month due to airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, resulting in the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, many airlines had to reroute. However, Chinese airlines appear to be largely unaffected by these changes.
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