Overall seat capacity in China is 16.4% higher during the first three months of 2024, compared with the same period in 2019, driven by the strength of its home market.

Data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser shows the number of domestic seats during the first quarter (Q1) will total about 218.4 million, marking a rise of 22% on the same period five years earlier.

International capacity is steadily returning—up by 376% year-on-year following Beijing’s decision to open the country’s borders to foreign visitors—although it remains about 30% down on pre-pandemic levels.

However, the drive to recover international connectivity is gathering pace, boosted by the Chinese government’s decision to bring in visa-free entry for citizens of five European countries—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain—as well as Malaysia. Since then, Ireland and Switzerland have been added to the list.

China and Singapore also implemented reciprocal visa rules for their citizens from Feb. 9, allowing stays of up to 30 days. Additionally, China and Thailand will introduce visa-free measures from March 1.