British Airways ‘Pauses’ Beijing Route

The carrier joins a growing list of airlines cutting service to China amid ongoing airspace constraints.

A British Airways Boeing 777 at London Heathrow. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Routes ]August 8, 2024 11:43 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

British Airways is the latest airline to scale back service to China. The carrier said Thursday that it would “pause” service between London Heathrow and Beijing effective Oct. 26, 2024.

According to the Financial Times, the IAG-owned airline expects to suspend the route for at least a year. British Airways’ service to Beijing Daxing currently operates four times per week on a Boeing 777-200.

The London-based carrier will continue to serve Shanghai and Hong Kong. Last year, British Airways resumed service to both Beijing and Shanghai after a nearly three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Western airlines continue to face woes in the Chinese market, largely due to the closure of Russian airspace. Flights are forced to deviate around the airspace, which extends block times.

Last month, Virgin Atlantic announced plans to axe its only China route, citing these airspace constraints. The carrier served the market since 1999.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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