Scandinavian Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines are both exiting China as they claim European carriers pay more to fly into Asia.

Two European carriers say they will cut their last remaining flights to China, as access to Russian airspace between the two regions is becoming an issue.

Both Scandinavian Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines are planning to end their routes to China, matching recent trends across Europe’s air carriers.

Cuts Disconnect Direct Service From Major European Cities to China

For SAS, The Netherlands’ Luchtvaart Nieuws reports the airline will cut their route between Copenhagen and Shanghai effective November 7, 2024. The carrier told the news agency that “difficult market conditions” were to blame for ending the flights.

At LOT Polish Airlines, AirlineGeeks.com says they will end the route between Warsaw and Beijing. For both carriers, access to mainland China will still be available through their respective alliance partners.

The cuts come as European carriers are facing mounting costs their Chinese counterparts don’t have. Airlines flying under EU-nation flags are forced to avoid Russian airspace due to continued hostilities in Ukraine, requiring more time and fuel. European carriers are asking the EU to assess a levy to Chinese airlines, but no action has been taken so far.

Meanwhile in China, airlines are adding capacity from their airlines to the rest of the world as they reposition widebody aircraft previously dedicated North American flights. With more seats available, the carriers are betting on an increase in post-pandemic business and leisure travel.

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