China to resume direct flights from Canada to Beijing this week

As restrictions start to ease, direct inbound flights from Canada to Beijing will resume this week.

As of September 3, Canada is listed among the destinations where international direct flights to Beijing will resume, other countries include Cambodia, Greece, Denmark, Thailand, and Austria.

According to The State Council, The People’s Republic of China, in order to board the flights, a negative COVID-19 test result must be shown.

There will be a priority for countries where the low risk of cross-border infection is possible, as well as flights will be capped around 500 a day during this trial period which will double later on, according to Xu Hejian, spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government.

Meanwhile, according to the Government of Canada, a global travel advisory is still in effect, recommending Canadians who do plan to take flight, to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.

“While some countries are partially opening their borders, we continue to advise against non-essential travel outside of Canada,” states the Canadian government.

“The governments of those destinations that have opened their borders to tourists could impose strict travel restrictions suddenly, should they experience an increase in cases of COVID-19. International transportation options could be reduced significantly, making it difficult for you to return to Canada. There are no plans to offer additional repatriation flights. Should you decide to travel despite our advisories, know that you might have to remain abroad longer than you expected.”

As for those who do plan to travel to Beijing, they will be tested for COVID-19 at the Beijing Capital International Airport after customs clearance and inspection once you arrive.

“The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad,” said the Canadian government.