Following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Taiwan-related remarks, the "Takaichi Fallout" has triggered a sweeping freeze on air travel. Over the past days, Chinese carriers have cancelled dozens of Japan-bound routes and nearly 500,000 China–Japan flight bookings have been cancelled.

In response, China's largest airlines — Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines — along with several others, have extended free refund and rebooking policies for Japan-related flights. The updated policy applies to tickets purchased or reissued before noon on December 5, 2025, and covers travel from November 15, 2025, to March 28, 2026.

The unfolding crisis underscores the far-reaching economic and social impact of current diplomatic tensions, with tourism, cultural exchange, and travel heavily disrupted – resulting in a significant "Takaichi cost."