China has seen a sharp escalation in air connectivity disruptions with Japan after all scheduled flights on 49 bilateral routes were canceled for February.
Japan
Singapore tops the 2026 Henley Passport Index with access to 192 destinations, while the United States slips to 10th amid tighter visa policies.
Vancouver is set to gain a new long-haul leisure connection as Air Canada (AC) announces its first-ever winter seasonal service to Sapporo, Japan.
Below, we explore each economy’s 2025 position and how its aviation industry reflects (and sometimes shapes) that economic reality.
Jetstar Japan (GK) has launched direct flights between Narita International Airport (NRT), near Tokyo, and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), marking the airline’s first new international route in more than eight years.
Korean Air (KE) reported strong passenger demand across Seoul in 2025, transporting more than 16 million travelers between January and early November.
Rising geopolitical tensions between China and Japan have disrupted winter travel plans and redirected a large segment of Chinese outbound tourists.
Japan Airlines (JL) has introduced a policy change whereby passengers on Japan Airlines domestic flights must be enrolled in the JAL Mileage Bank program to purchase a day-of-departure cash upgrade.
More than 1,900 flights scheduled this month between mainland China and Japan have been cancelled as escalating political tensions sharply disrupt passenger demand and airline operations.
Chinese airlines have sharply reduced flights to Japan for December as political tensions surrounding Taiwan continue to escalate.