LONDON- British Airways (BA) has announced that it will suspend its direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing starting from October 26, 2024, until November 2025.
The decision comes amid the ongoing Russian airspace ban on European carriers.
British Airways Cuts London to Beijing
The airline did not provide a detailed explanation for the route suspension, but it is believed to be directly linked to the crippling impact of the Russian airspace ban. This ban has forced carriers to take longer and more costly routes to Asian destinations, significantly affecting their operations and profitability.
Despite the suspension of the Beijing service, British Airways assured passengers that its daily flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong will continue uninterrupted.
Further, the company has not yet revealed whether it plans to introduce an alternative route to replace the Beijing service in its schedule.
Currently, British Airways operates 4x weekly flights between London and Beijing. It deploys Boeing 777 to serve this route.
Lufthansa (LH) has stated that competition from Chinese carriers, which are allowed to fly over Russian airspace, has cut into their earnings. This development has further exacerbated the challenges faced by European airlines due to the Russian airspace ban.
IAG, the parent company of British Airways, has claimed that it is not as strongly affected by the Russian airspace ban, as a significant portion of its core business is focused on North and South America, where bookings and demand remain robust.
Virgin Atlantic Exits China
Virgin Atlantic (VS) has announced the termination of its sole mainland China route, connecting London Heathrow (LHR) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
The airline cites “significant challenges and complexities” stemming from Russian airspace restrictions as the primary reason for this decision.
The final flight will depart on October 25, 2024, marking the end of a 25-year service history. The route, currently operated daily using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, spans 4,987 nautical miles.
Virgin Atlantic has served Shanghai since 1999, providing crucial connectivity between the UK and China. The airline’s spokesperson acknowledges the importance of this route in supporting global supply chains through cargo operations.
The decision to suspend the Shanghai service comes after careful consideration by Virgin Atlantic. The airline expresses gratitude towards its staff and customers in Shanghai, recognizing their contributions over the past quarter-century. However, the ongoing challenges have made the route commercially unsustainable.
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