The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement that qualifying foreign carriers, currently barred from operating flights to mainland China, will be allowed once per weekly flights into a city of their choosing starting on 8th June. The announcement came shortly after the US vowed to ban Chinese airlines from flying to the United States.
Reported by Reuters, there are 95 foreign carriers that are currently barred from operating into China. The estimated number of international flights would increase by 50 to 150 per week; while the average of passengers arriving per day would rise to 4,700, up from around 3,000 now.
Incentive Driven System
There are incentives for airlines not to bring COVID-19 positive passengers. There are also punishments if more than 10 passengers test positive.
If no passengers test positive for COVID-19 after arrival, for three consecutive weeks, then the airline could add one weekly flight on the same route.
If five or more passengers on one flight test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, the CAAC will bar the airline from services for a week. Airlines would be suspended for four weeks if 10 passengers or more test positive.
Editor's Note
This change of policy by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is a swift response to the Chinese airlines flight ban by the US Department of Transport announced yesterday.
The incentive driven reward system will potentially make all airlines test their passengers before allowing them to board flights to China.
China has now set its "Five One" Policy on equal ground for both Chinese and foreign carriers serving China. The US DOT have not made a reply but based on the report issued yesterday, it mentioned:
"Should the CAAC adjust its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S. carriers, the Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has announced in this order."
US DOT China Part 213 Phase Order 20120-6-1