(Yicai Global) May 26 -- China Southern Airlines, Air China and Hainan Airlines have each been granted additional quotas for international flights to and from the country, sources told Yicai Global today.

That means the policy in force since March 2020 to control the number of international flights amid concerns over imported Covid-19 cases is set to be gradually lifted, with more overseas flights expected to resume.

The three carriers received the additional international flight quotas from the Civil Aviation Administration of China after the State Council, or cabinet, called for an orderly increase of international passenger flights at a recent executive meeting.

The CAAC is also in communication with its foreign airlines on additional flights to and from more countries.

China Southern secured new flight quotas to and from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkey. Flights to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan were temporarily suspended after the Covid-19 outbreak.

Flag carrier Air China got quotas for flights to and from Belarus and the United Arab Emirates. Flights to the two countries were halted last September. Hainan Airlines received an additional return flight to Italy after Air China also resumed one to and from the country.

Last week, China’s embassies in the United States, Ireland, Denmark, Spain, Thailand and many other countries issued notices, relaxing Covid-19 test requirements for Chinese nationals wanting head home.

Flights between China and other countries are expected to reopen further.

Editors: Liao Shumin, Peter Thomas