Qantas' travel shake-up: China route dumped and new flights revealed

International flight numbers to and from China are down, leading to a route shake-up at Australia's national flag carrier.

Despite dumping its direct Shanghai route, Qantas still flies to Hong Kong from Sydney and Melbourne, and it has partnerships with other airlines for onward travel within China. Source: AAP / Mark Baker

The top line: Qantas Airways has said it will suspend flights to Shanghai from 28 July but announced a new route from Brisbane to Manila starting in late October, as well as additional flights to Singapore.

The bigger picture: The announcement comes nine months after the Australian flag carrier resumed service from Sydney on hopes of a travel rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic.

International flight numbers to and from China are about 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and have been slower to recover than in other markets because of fewer tourists and a domestic economic slowdown.

• Qantas apologises for technical issue with its app
• This is what your frequent flyer points are really worth
• Flights where you're most (and least) likely to have an empty seat next to you

The key quote: "In some months, our flights to and from Shanghai have been operating around half-full." — Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

What else to know: Qantas aircraft on the Shanghai route will be redirected to other destinations across Asia with higher demand or new tourism opportunities, the company said.

What happens next: The company said it will continue to monitor the Australia-China market closely and resume direct flights to Shanghai when demand has recovered.

Read more: Qantas customers to receive up to $450 in compensation over 'phantom' flights | SBS News