Summary: Japan Airlines China routes experienced a roughly 20% revenue shortfall in December 2025 after Beijing issued travel advisories coinciding with the Lunar New Year. JAL reports a ¥1 billion (US$6.4 million) drop on China services but expects other international markets to offset the loss.

Japan Airlines China routes recorded a significant fall in passenger revenue in December 2025, missing internal projections by around 20% after the Chinese government issued travel advisories urging citizens to reconsider non-essential trips to Japan.

How big was the drop on China services?

JAL reported that passenger revenue from routes to and from China fell by ¥1 billion (US$6.4 million) in December 2025. Low-cost carrier Spring Japan, which operates from Narita, recorded an estimated shortfall of about ¥300 million for the same period.

Although the losses are meaningful for those specific services, flights between Japan and China typically represent roughly 8% of JAL Group's total international flight revenue, so the carrier considers the impact contained within its wider international network.

Timing: Lunar New Year and government advisories

Executives say the Chinese government's advisories, issued late in 2025, coincided with the busy Lunar New Year travel window, amplifying the revenue hit. That holiday period typically delivers a surge in cross-border travel between China and Japan for family visits, leisure and seasonal events.

JAL’s view and financial outlook

JAL leadership says the carrier expects the shortfall from China routes to be offset by strong revenue performance on other international services, including flights to North America, Europe and Southeast Asia.

We anticipate that the lost revenue from China routes can be covered this fiscal year, as revenue from our other international flights remains very strong,

JAL emphasises that while the China market slump affects passenger numbers and short-term revenue, the airline's diversified international network provides resilience against localized shocks.

Wider industry context and market shifts

The decline on China routes reflects several broader trends affecting global aviation, including fluctuating demand after the pandemic, price pressures, and sensitivity to government travel guidance. Short-term advisories can quickly reduce bookings on specific corridors, particularly during peak seasons.

  • December 2025: JAL China-route revenue fell by ¥1 billion (US$6.4 million)
  • Spring Japan: approx. ¥300 million shortfall
  • China routes ≈ 8% of JAL Group’s international revenue
  • Other strong markets: North America, Europe, Southeast Asia
Japan Airlines plane parked at a gate with airport staff handling boarding
JAL says other international routes should help offset the December shortfall on China services

Implications for Japan–China travel and next steps

The episode underscores how government advisories and diplomatic developments can quickly affect tourism flows between China and Japan. Airlines operating on those routes must remain flexible with capacity and pricing while monitoring official guidance closely.

Meanwhile, JAL is pursuing growth in other high-demand markets such as Thailand, India and Vietnam, and notes rising tourism from Southeast Asia into Japan has helped bolster its international revenue mix.

So what? Why this matters to travelers and the industry

For travellers, the situation means you should watch official travel advisories and be prepared for possible schedule changes or altered pricing on China–Japan routes during periods of heightened guidance. For airlines and tourism businesses, the incident highlights the value of route diversification and the need to respond quickly to policy shifts to protect revenues and passenger confidence.