China’s 3 major airlines bet on international demand for relief from deep losses: analysts

China’s three biggest airlines are expected to absorb steep financial losses from the first half of 2026 – but avoid notable fare increases – in a long game aimed at stimulating air travel, especially on international routes, aviation experts said this week. Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines all reported widening net losses in the first six months of the year due to fuel price increases driven by the Iran war, according to stock market filings by the carriers. Muted..