Trade Friction vs. Travel Boom: Air France-KLM China Travel Demand 2026 Outlook
Explore the Air France-KLM China travel demand 2026 outlook. Discover how China's 30-nation visa-free policy is driving growth despite EU trade frictions.
Trade wars can't stop the wanderlust. Despite ongoing trade frictions between China and the EU, Paris remains the crown jewel for Chinese travelers. The surge in cross-border activity is creating a goldmine for major carriers as visa-free policies reshape the landscape.
Air France-KLM Profits From China’s Visa-Free Expansion
The Franco-Dutch airline giant, Air France-KLM, reported an impressive spike in inbound demand throughout 2025. The primary engine behind this growth? China’s strategic decision to grant visa-free entry to travelers from more than 30 European nations.
This policy shift has unlocked both leisure and business segments, making it easier than ever for European travelers to head east while strengthening inbound flows from China. In the first three quarters of the previous year, the group posted strong numbers, signaling a robust recovery for long-haul international routes.
Risk Factor: While travel demand is high, the volatility of EU-China trade relations, especially regarding EV tariffs, could still impact corporate travel budgets and aviation fuel costs.
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