Amid safety concerns over the US-Israel war on Iran, Hong Kong residents are shifting their travel plans. Instead of flying via the Middle East, they are now transiting through mainland China to reach Europe, a change driven by both cost and security.
Alex Lee Chun-ting of Miramar Travel said the trend was initially expected to reduce interest in European travel during the summer. But with safety worries and rising airfares in the Gulf, more Hongkongers are opting for direct flights or those with stops in Shanghai or Beijing.
Lee noted that mainland airlines, recognizing the shift, have offered group discounts for tours from Hong Kong. This move has absorbed some demand previously directed toward Middle Eastern carriers.
The alternative route through the mainland has emerged unexpectedly, Lee said, partly due to war-related disruptions. Better services from mainland airlines and airports have made Hong Kongers more willing to consider cross-border options.
For trips to London, one of Hong Kong's most popular destinations, flights transiting through mainland China are significantly cheaper. During the peak summer season, they save travelers HK$1,000 to HK$2,000, though this excludes fuel surcharges and taxes.
Carmen Chan Hiu-nam of Goldjoy Holidays reported that roughly 50 percent of her company's customers for European tours in March and April transited through the mainland. She considered this number on the low side, suggesting the trend may gain more traction.