Recovery of Hong Kong Aviation Sector ‘Stronger Than Expected’: Iata Chief

At the Same Time, Difficulties Securing Visas, Strong Demand for Domestic Flights and Weaker Economic Growth Weighing on Recovery Efforts Have Hamstrung Demand for International Flights.

Airlines Pivot to Hong Kong, Other Markets Amid Sluggish Mainland Travel Demand

Other Elements Included a Lack of Available Older Aircraft, Economic Factors and the Closure of Russian Airspace Amid Tensions over the Country’s Invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Sky-High Air Fares New Normal for Hong Kong and Rest of World: Top Cathay Executive

Yu Also Compared Carrier China Eastern’s Decision to Reinstate Flights Between Shanghai and New York, While United Airlines Had Yet to Make a Similar Move.

Global Travel Demand to and from Mainland China Recovering at Strong Pace, Iata Chief Says, but Analysts Cautious Amid Economic Slowdown, Geopolitical Rifts

By Marcus Vance

• Oct 8, 2026 • 5 min read

Global Travel Demand to and from Mainland China Recovering at Strong Pace, Iata Chief Says, but Analysts Cautious Amid Economic Slowdown, Geopolitical Rifts

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

The Mainland Accounted for 9 per Cent of All International Air Passenger Demand Before the Covid-19 Pandemic in Early 2020, It Said.

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.

Tags: global travel demand and mainland china recovering strong pace iata chief says analysts cautious