On Saturday, November 15, 2025, six carriers based in the Chinese mainland announced they will allow free changes and refunds for tickets on routes to Japan. The announcement affects Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, which collectively account for a significant share of air travel between the two markets.
The move follows a consular advisory issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday night, posted on its consular affairs account on WeChat. The advisory warned mainland residents against traveling to Japan in the near future, citing comments from a Japanese leader that, according to the notice, "severely worsened the atmosphere of people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan, and posed a significant risk to the personal safety and lives of Chinese citizens in Japan."
For travelers and digital nomads planning trips between the Chinese mainland and Japan, the policy shift offers flexibility to adjust or cancel plans without extra fees. Industry analysts say the decision could impact thousands of bookings in the coming weeks, as concerns over bilateral relations influence travel trends.
To take advantage of the offer, passengers can contact their airline directly or visit the carrier’s website to submit a refund or rebooking request. Experts recommend checking flight availability for later dates, as carriers work to reallocate seats and manage passenger flow.
As global citizens watch these developments, the travel sector may see short-term volatility. For now, passengers have a safety net: free ticket changes or refunds on Japan routes, a rare move that underscores how geopolitical tensions can swiftly reshape travel options.
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Chinese airlines offer free changes and refunds on Japan routes
cgtn.com
