Coronavirus sends China’s aviation industry into free fall, damaging hopes of becoming global hub
- Coronavirus outbreak has been hammer blow to travel worldwide, with more than 70 countries or territories putting restrictions on flights from China
- Chinese government expected to step up support for ailing aviation sector, but China’s long-term plans for global dominance could be damaged
This is part of a four-part series looking at how the coronavirus epidemic affects China’s relationships with the rest of the world. Part three focuses on how the virus is causing China to lose ground in its quest to become a global aviation power.
China’s aim to become an international aviation hub is taking a beating, as fears of a global coronavirus pandemic continue to intensify.
More than 70 countries and territories had slapped travel restrictions and tightened visa requirements for travellers from China as of Thursday, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
However, this is mainly due to Chinese airlines cutting fares for domestic flights to record lows and the government handing out subsidies, rather than underlying demand, which remains extremely weak.
