What’s new: China’s aviation regulator asked all domestic airlines to reduce international routes to one per country while capping the number of flights to no more than one a week, effective March 29.
Foreign airlines were also asked to limit the number of flights to China to no more than one a week, according to a notice issued Thursday on the website of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
The CAAC told airlines to submit plans and to not fill airplanes to more than 75% of capacity. Airlines are allowed to use passenger aircraft to transport freight, which would not count toward the limit.
Background: The rules are part of China’s efforts to tighten controls over the importation of Covid-19 cases from abroad. The Chinese mainland Wednesday reported 67 new cases, all imported.
With its own domestic outbreak now largely under control, China is worried about the potential for a second surge of cases brought by people arriving from other countries.
Starting Wednesday, all people arriving at Beijing from international destinations will be required to take a nucleic acid test for Covid-19 and undergo 14 days in quarantine, the city said earlier.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday that it’s suspending entry (link in Chinese) to foreign nationals with valid visas or residence permits beginning March 28.
Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. To read the full announcement in Chinese, click here.
Related: Covid-19 Tests Required for Inbound Arrivals to Beijing
Contact reporter Denise Jia (huijuanjia@caixin.com)
