China’s Major Airlines Respond to Declining Japan Travel by Extending Refunds and Rescheduling Options While Shaping New Winter Travel Trends Across Emerging Global Destinations

Published on December 10, 2025

Amid declining demand for Japan-bound flights due to rising political tensions, China’s top airlines have extended their refund and rescheduling policies, offering flexibility to travelers as they pivot to alternative winter destinations. This shift in travel patterns comes in response to the Chinese government’s travel advisories, which followed controversial remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister regarding Taiwan, sparking public dissatisfaction. As a result, Chinese travelers are increasingly seeking new destinations, with regions like Russia, Central Asia, and domestic winter resorts seeing a surge in bookings. This evolving trend is reshaping the winter travel landscape, prompting airlines to adjust their operations to meet the growing demand for these alternative getaways.

China’s Leading Airlines Extend Refund and Rescheduling Policies Amid Decline in Sino-Japanese Air Traffic

China’s top airlines have responded to a significant drop in demand for flights to Japan by extending free refund and rescheduling policies for Japan-bound travelers. This shift in travel dynamics comes as political tensions rise between China and Japan, prompting many travelers to rethink their winter holiday plans and opt for alternative destinations.

Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines announced on Friday that they would extend the deadline for refunds and rebooking to March 28, 2026, marking the close of the winter-spring travel season. This move follows the Chinese government’s travel advisories issued in mid-November, urging caution for trips to Japan after controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The diplomatic fallout resulted in widespread public dissatisfaction, with many travelers choosing to delay or cancel their Japan-bound trips.

Recent data from Flight Master, a travel services platform, revealed a sharp decline in Sino-Japanese air traffic. During the week of November 24-30, only 1,167 round-trip flights were recorded between China and Japan, marking the lowest weekly volume in a month. Additionally, the flight recovery rate fell to a troubling 78.1%, signaling a weak rebound in air traffic. By December 1, the projected cancellation rate for Sino-Japanese flights in December had risen to 26.4%, a figure that continues to climb.

This decline in demand for Japan has prompted Chinese airlines to adjust their operations accordingly. Instead of focusing on the traditional Japan route, airlines have been redeploying aircraft to regions where demand remains strong. Southeast Asia and domestic routes have been the primary beneficiaries of this shift in operational focus.

As Chinese travelers pivot to alternative destinations, several emerging hubs have gained popularity, notably Russia. The recent decision by Moscow to grant visa-free entry to Chinese citizens for stays of up to 30 days has sparked significant interest, particularly as the policy is in effect until September 14, 2026. This visa relaxation has led to a surge in travel inquiries, with the Beijing-based travel agency UTour reporting a doubling of interest in Russian destinations.

Among the most sought-after winter destinations in Russia is Murmansk, known for its stunning Northern Lights and a growing array of winter sports activities. The city’s unique appeal, combined with the favorable visa policy, makes it a top choice for Chinese tourists looking to experience a winter getaway in a new and less conventional location.

In addition to Russia, other emerging travel destinations are also gaining traction. Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, has seen a notable rise in interest from Chinese travelers. According to data from Tongcheng Travel, bookings for flights to Kazakhstan have increased by more than 50% compared to last year. Kazakhstan’s major cities, Almaty and Astana, are particularly popular, with hotel reservations rising by over 80%. The country’s reputation as a winter sports destination is rapidly growing, with its snow-capped mountains and ski resorts attracting tourists from across the region.

The shift in Chinese travelers’ winter preferences has led to what analysts are calling the “Japan substitution effect.” As traditional Japanese ski resorts lose their allure, destinations like Kazakhstan, Northern Europe, and even domestic Chinese resorts are gaining favor. Domestic tourism is experiencing a resurgence, with a noticeable uptick in bookings for ski resorts in regions like Jilin, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia.

In Jilin province, the government has rolled out 100 million yuan ($14.1 million) in incentives, including ice-and-snow tourism vouchers and free ski passes for university students, to boost domestic tourism. The Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regions have also introduced similar initiatives, including discounts on ski activities and accommodation. These efforts are not only helping to attract local tourists but are also positioning China as a burgeoning hub for winter tourism.

Beijing-based online travel agency Qunar has reported significant increases in hotel bookings across northern regions of China. Areas like Bortala in Xinjiang have seen hotel reservations soar by more than 80%, while cities like Dandong, Liaoyuan, and Yichun have experienced growth of around 30%. In particular, bookings for popular destinations like Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan and Xiling Snow Mountain in Sichuan have doubled year-on-year, reflecting growing domestic interest in winter tourism.

The boom in China’s domestic winter tourism is further underscored by the country’s rapidly expanding ski industry. A recent white paper highlighted that China now boasts 748 operational ski resorts, including 66 indoor centers. Last winter, China recorded 26.05 million ski visits, marking a 12.9% increase from the previous year. This impressive figure surpasses Switzerland’s total ski visits, which stood at 23.1 million, cementing China’s position as a leading player in the global ski market.

As the winter tourism landscape continues to evolve, Chinese travelers are set to explore a diverse range of destinations. While Japan’s ski resorts once dominated the winter holiday scene, emerging destinations in Russia, Central Asia, and domestic resorts are rapidly gaining ground. The extended refund and rescheduling policies offered by China’s airlines are a reflection of these changing travel patterns, as travelers adjust their winter plans in response to political tensions and the allure of new destinations.

In response to declining demand for Japan-bound flights amid rising tensions, China’s leading airlines have extended refund and rescheduling policies. Travelers are now increasingly turning to alternative winter destinations, such as Russia and Central Asia, reshaping the winter travel landscape.

The “Japan substitution effect” is expected to persist well beyond the Spring Festival period, as Chinese travelers continue to seek out fresh and unique winter experiences. Whether venturing to the icy landscapes of Russia or exploring the ski slopes of Kazakhstan, Chinese tourists are increasingly looking beyond Japan for their winter holidays, reshaping the region’s tourism trends in the process.