In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline Air France finds itself at the center of a diplomatic opposition between France and China. Since June 18, China has imposed a single weekly flight to its territory on French society, against about fifty usually. Consequence: France has decided to apply a reciprocity measure in order to put pressure on the Chinese authorities, with the hope that Air France will soon be able to operate more flights to this destination.
Sufficient demand for three flights
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Flights to China are important to Air France. At this time, there would be sufficient demand for up to three weekly flights. Such an opportunity would not displease the French company, which is facing a resumption of activity which is still very weak at the start of summer.
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But China only allows a limited number of incoming passengers each day. International companies are also forced to make a stopover. Air France's flight to Shanghai must therefore pass through Seoul in South Korea, so as not to risk having its personnel stranded in quarantine.
A flight to Paris remained on the tarmac
Despite negotiations, the position of the Chinese authorities has not changed on the subject, hence the application of reciprocity by France. The flight from Canton to Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, operated by the company China Southern and which was to leave in the night from Sunday to Monday, therefore remained on the tarmac.
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There will therefore be only one weekly flight from China to France. But the diplomatic pressure could ultimately allow Air France to obtain a second flight to Shanghai, or even a third to another Chinese destination.