Spring Airlines (ICAO: CQH) is a prominent low-cost carrier based in China, known for its extensive network and budget-friendly fares.
Spring Airlines Co., Ltd. was established on May 26, 2004, and commenced flight operations on July 18, 2005, making it the first low-cost carrier in China. It operates as the aviation subsidiary of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service and has been publicly listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange since January 2015.
The airline is headquartered in Changning, Shanghai, and maintains major operational bases at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), and Shijiazhuang. Other significant bases include Shenzhen (SZX), Shenyang (SHE), Jieyang (SWA), and Osaka, Japan. Spring Airlines operates a modern, all-Airbus A320 family fleet, consisting of 134 aircraft as of August 2025, including 116 A320s and 12 A321s.
Spring Airlines boasts a comprehensive route network, serving over 130 domestic routes within China and more than 80 international and regional routes. Its international and regional destinations include various cities in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, as well as Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The airline operates on a low-cost model and is not a member of any major global airline alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. In line with its low-cost strategy, Spring Airlines primarily offers single-cabin Economy Class seating. Complimentary onboard meals and water are not provided but are available for purchase, along with options for extra legroom seating and additional baggage allowance.
Traveler reviews for Spring Airlines present a mixed but generally positive picture, particularly for budget-conscious passengers.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall sentiment suggests that Spring Airlines is a reliable choice for travelers prioritizing low fares, provided they are aware of and willing to accommodate the airline's strict baggage policies and limited onboard amenities.
Spring Airlines emphasizes safety as a top priority and has received recognition for its safety commitment. The airline holds a 7/7 safety rating. It is noted as one of the biggest investors in aviation safety in China and received the Airbus Award of Excellence in 2011, along with other top safety awards from Airbus and Chinese Aviation Authorities.
The airline has a "crash-free history", though it has experienced some notable incidents:
Regarding regulatory certifications, Spring Airlines has successfully passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which is an internationally recognized evaluation system for assessing an airline's operational management and control systems. As of the latest available information, Spring Airlines is not listed among airlines banned from operating in the European Union's airspace. There is no information directly linking Spring Airlines to FAA compliance, as "Spring City Aviation" is a different entity mentioned in FAA compliance news.
Spring Airlines operates a "state-of-the-art fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft," described as one of the youngest and "greenest" fleets globally. This modern fleet contributes to its reputation for a very low incident rate.
It is important to differentiate between Spring Airlines and its subsidiary, Spring Airlines Japan, which has had its own safety incidents, including pilot errors related to flaps during takeoff in 2017 and a cabin pressurization issue leading to an emergency descent in June 2025. However, these incidents are specific to the Japanese subsidiary.
Overall, based on available data, Spring Airlines maintains a strong safety assessment with a good safety rating, a modern fleet, and significant investment in safety protocols, substantiated by its IOSA certification and industry awards.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFM → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
66 | 802 mi | A321 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| DNH → LHW |
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International
Lanzhou
|
53 | 540 mi | A320 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| ENH → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
48 | 734 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| DOY → SHA |
Shanghai Hongqiao Int'l
Shanghai
|
48 | 460 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DOY → CGQ |
Changchun Longjia Int'l
Changchun
|
45 | 576 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| GYS → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
44 | 949 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| DOY → SZX |
Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l
Shenzhen
|
43 | 1070 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DOY → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
43 | 472 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| HIA → HRB |
Harbin Taiping Int'l
Harbin
|
42 | 901 mi | A320 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| CKG → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
41 | 908 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| HIA → SZX |
Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l
Shenzhen
|
40 | 836 mi | A320 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| SJW → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
40 | 971 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| WDS → NGB |
Ningbo Lishe Int'l
Ningbo
|
40 | 653 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| CZX → SWA |
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport
Jieyang
|
38 | 612 mi | A320 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| SWA → HGH |
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
|
37 | 521 mi | A320 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| ZYI → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
36 | 924 mi | A320 | Dec 4, 2025 |
| KIX → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
36 | 814 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| SJW → INC |
Yinchuan Helanshan
Yinchuan
|
35 | 451 mi | A320 | Dec 6, 2025 |
| LJG → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
34 | 1338 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| SWA → NKG |
Nanjing Lukou Int'l
Nanjing
|
32 | 585 mi | A320 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| BHY → SJW |
Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
Shijiazhuang
|
32 | 1202 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| ENH → TNA |
Jinan Yaoqiang
Jinan
|
32 | 634 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| BHY → HFE |
Hefei Xinqiao Airport
Feixi
|
32 | 864 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| WDS → LHW |
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International
Lanzhou
|
31 | 496 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| AAT → LHW |
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International
Lanzhou
|
30 | 1109 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.