US Increases Weekly Flight Quota for Chinese Airlines to 50

The US Department of Transportation's decision marks a significant step towards normalizing air travel between the US and China.

From March 31, Chinese airlines can operate 50 weekly round trips to the US, up from 35, as part of efforts to restore aviation services post-Covid.
The increase is still below pre-pandemic levels, when over 150 weekly flights were allowed by each side.
This is the fifth increase since China's post-Covid reopening, reflecting a gradual recovery of the US-China flight route.
US and Chinese authorities are in dialogue for a broader reopening of bilateral air services.
Challenges remain, including geopolitical tensions and restrictions on flying over Russia.