In worst diplomatic row, Chinese airlines canceling Japan flights for free until October

Major Chinese airlines on Monday extended free change and cancelation policies for Japan-related flights to October 24 as the two East Asian countries' worst diplomatic row in years showed no signs of easing.

Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo/Reuters

26 January 2026 at 09:50:48

In worst diplomatic row, Chinese airlines canceling Japan flights for free until October

FILE PHOTO: Printed Chinese and Japanese flags are seen in this illustration, July 21, 2022.

Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters

BEIJING- Major Chinese airlines on Monday extended free change and cancelation policies for Japan-related flights to October 24 as the two East Asian countries' worst diplomatic row in years showed no signs of easing.

China's three biggest airlines, Air China 601111.SS, China Eastern 600115.SS and China Southern Airlines 600029.SS, said passengers can change or cancel, for free, tickets including a leg to or from Japan, according to statements they released.

The airlines had previously extended similar policies to March in December 2025 after first announcing them in November, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about Taiwan that angered Beijing.

-Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo; Editing by Christian Schmollinger/Reuters