Russia Detour Hinders Revival of European Carriers’ China Flights, Executive Says

By Zou Xiaotong, Zhao Xueshan and Wang Xintong

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Air France Boeing 787-9 F-HRBF lands at Hong Kong International Airport on July 9, 2023. Photo: VCG

European airlines haven’t been able to compete on “a level playing field” with their Chinese counterparts, who can fly in Russian airspace, Air France-KLM General Manager for Greater China Wouter Vermeulen told Caixin in an interview.

The Franco-Dutch airline group faces multiple challenges to restore flights between Europe and China to pre-pandemic levels, Vermeulen said, and flying around Russia is “a big challenge” that has significantly increased operational costs and flight prices.

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European airlines, such as Air France-KLM, face increased operational costs and longer routes due to Russia barring their access to its airspace since February 2022.
Chinese airlines operate 76% of China-Europe flights compared to a 50-50 split pre-pandemic, benefiting from access to Russian airspace.
Air France-KLM has reduced its flights and routes to China and Asia, citing higher costs and longer flight times but remains committed to the Chinese market.

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Who’s Who

Air France-KLM: Air France-KLM is facing increased operational costs and longer flight times due to Russian airspace closure, making it hard to compete with Chinese airlines that use this airspace. The airline has cut its China-bound routes and flights by half compared to 2019 but remains committed to restoring pre-pandemic levels. They are enhancing route-sharing with China Eastern Airlines to offer more options and competitive prices.

China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd.: China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd. is collaborating with Air France-KLM to expand route-sharing, offering more departure times and competitive prices. This cooperation aims to mitigate the impact of route detours caused by restrictions on European airlines flying over Russian airspace.

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What Happened When

February 2022：: Russia barred airlines from European Union states and a host of other countries from its airspace in retaliation to sanctions imposed on it following its invasion of Ukraine.