The Chinese Mainland says Taiwan's refusal to approve additional flights during the Spring Festival travel season is irresponsible.

Almost 180 China Eastern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines round-trip flights were cancelled after Taiwan refused to approve them. Taiwan Authorities cited flight safety concerns, but the mainland said no such issues were involved. The cancellations make it difficult for around 50,000 people to return to Taiwan during the period. Additional cross-Strait flights for the festival have been a regular practice since 2008, when direct flights between the two sides began.