China's civil aviation authority has confirmed the 2026/27 winter-spring schedule takes effect October 25, running through March 27, 2027. Across 210 domestic and foreign carriers, 119,500 weekly passenger and cargo flights are planned; international services cover 191 carriers with 21,427 weekly flights — up 10.8% year over year — reaching 83 countries (source: CAAC seasonal schedule releases).
Japan routes continue to be structured around gateways in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Dalian, serving Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo. The schedule change shifts departure and arrival times and operating days on some flights — for cargo, cut-off times, warehouse receiving deadlines and customs filing rhythms move with them. Any shipment departing after October 25 should be rebooked against the new timetable rather than assumed from the summer schedule.
Map out the year-end logistics calendar now. After Black Friday/Cyber Monday in late November and the Christmas sales season, Japan enters its New Year shutdown from late December through early January, when warehouses and last-mile networks largely close. Sea freight needs two to three weeks for sailing, customs and delivery, so cargo arriving in December should ship by mid-November; air capacity tightens from November with more volatile pricing (reference rates only — confirm by inquiry).
Three practical steps: 1) confirm November-December air space and rates before mid-October and lock in what you need; 2) use air for urgent cargo (reference transit 4-7 days) and fast-sea or LCL for planned stock (reference 10-18 days) to balance cost; 3) pull arrival dates forward for cargo spanning Japan's New Year break, or schedule post-holiday arrivals from mid-January to avoid cargo sitting unclaimed at port.
Our Japan line combines air, fast-sea and LCL options against your deadline and budget, all booked on the post-change timetable. Use the buttons below for rate calculation, tracking or online consultation — or click sales@ruixincargo.com to send your cargo details and receive space and cost options from our team.