U.S. Increases China-U.S. Passenger Flights: Positive Impact on Air Cargo and Freight Forwarding Industry

On May 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation officially announced that it will approve an increase in the number of scheduled passenger flights between China and the United States—from 48 to 70 per week—effective June 15, 2025. This policy marks a significant breakthrough in China-U.S. aviation cooperation since the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to have a positive impact on cross-border air logistics and the international freight forwarding market. 

The additional flights will involve major carriers from both countries, including Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The expansion will introduce more belly cargo capacity into the market, easing the current constraints in China-U.S. air freight. Industry analysts point out that freight forwarders will directly benefit from the increased capacity and optimized routes, especially on key lanes between Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and major U.S. hubs like Los Angeles and Chicago. 

A Shenzhen-based freight forwarding company specializing in China-U.S. trade noted that with the restoration of flight capacity, air freight rates are expected to decline starting in late June—particularly for high-frequency exports such as cross-border e-commerce parcels, home electronics, and 3C products. Shipping costs may decrease by 5%–10%, while delivery times may improve by 1–2 days, offering more efficient options for time-sensitive shipments. 

In response, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) welcomed the U.S. decision and emphasized continued communication through bilateral aviation dialogues to stabilize the air logistics supply chain. This policy shift not only marks a milestone in aviation recovery but also opens new business opportunities for international logistics companies and freight forwarders. It signals that the China-U.S. freight market may enter a new growth phase in the second half of 2025.