China's Aviation Market Faces Increased Flight Cancellations Ahead of May Day Holiday

As reported by Jin10 on April 21, the Chinese aviation market is experiencing a surge in travel bookings with less than ten days until the May Day holiday. According to statistics from Flight Manager DAST, the total number of planned flights for the 2026 May Day holiday is 85,285, marking a 5.25% increase compared to 2025. However, the cancellation rate for international routes has risen sharply from 3.6% to 7.4%, with domestic airlines experiencing an even higher cancellation rate of 10.7% for international routes. Sources from local travel agencies in Guangzhou indicate that the majority of canceled flights are from routes departing from some second-tier cities, with minimal impact on the Guangzhou market. Southeast Asia, Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region remain popular travel destinations. Airlines are expected to adjust flight schedules further during the peak summer travel season, taking into account changes in fuel prices and market conditions. Additionally, some citizens have noted that, besides rising airfare prices, inflation in many outbound travel destinations has significantly increased expenses for hotels and dining. Considering cost and safety factors, many travelers prefer domestic trips.