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Aug 25, 2023 7:23 PM - The Canadian Press

Talks underway between Canada and China on increasing number of flights

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The decline stems from China's strict Covid-19 regulations, which included overseas flights and frequent quarantine and testing requirements for tourists.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Beijing and Ottawa are negotiating how to increase flights between China and Canada after a US deal in June.

Transport Canada says there were more than 100 flights a week between the two countries during the summer in 2019 before Covid-19, but the number of weekly flights has dropped significantly.

This number has come down to just 10 this season.

The decline stems from China's strict Covid-19 regulations, which included overseas flights and frequent quarantine and testing requirements for tourists.

However, China relaxed the Covid regulations earlier this year.

Aviation analyst Helen Becker said direct flights were suspended due to Covid regulations.

Direct flights between China and Canada have not been restored since then.

Meanwhile, China has removed Canada from its list of approved international travel destinations for tour groups.

The Chinese government took this decision due to issues like foreign interference between Canada and China.

Still, both countries say they are considering increasing the number of flights.

The U.S. and China have reached an agreement to double weekly flights, and Canada has indicated it may seek an agreement along the lines of China's recent agreement with the U.S.

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