The only U.S. territory with visa-free for Chinese citizens may soon get a new China-U.S. air route.
Greater Bay Airlines, a Hong Kong-based startup carrier founded in 2022, has reportedly applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch scheduled passenger services to a U.S. territory during the 2025–2026 winter season.
The proposed route: Hong Kong to Saipan, twice weekly.
This would mark the first U.S. route for Greater Bay Airlines, the youngest airline in southern China’s Greater Bay Area.
Previously, Hong Kong Airlines operated the Hong Kong–Saipan route.
According to an aviation blogger, the route reached a 99.3% load factor in March—the highest among all China-U.S. routes that month—highlighting robust market demand.
However, data from DAST flight tracking platform shows that Hong Kong Airlines suspended this service on May 5, and it remains inactive.
While no official reason has been disclosed, industry insiders speculate the suspension may be linked to reduced demand following the tightening of G-CNMI ETA entry rules.
Saipan, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), previously allowed visa-free access for Chinese nationals.
But since December 2024, the U.S. government has introduced new entry requirements:
Chinese travelers must now apply for a G-CNMI ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering Saipan—unless they already hold a valid U.S. visa.
CNMI officials have filed a protest with U.S. federal immigration authorities, urging a swift reinstatement of the original ETA policy.
Despite the uncertainty, foreign media reports suggest that Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume the Saipan route in August.
If approved, Greater Bay Airlines would directly compete with Hong Kong Airlines on this niche route.
Saipan offers tropical scenery and a gambling industry that attracts niche tourists, but its remoteness, limited connectivity, and high travel costs mean the route primarily caters to affluent travelers.
Meanwhile, with the rise of other tropical destinations, Saipan’s appeal may be waning.
The local economy has faced ongoing challenges, with aging tourism infrastructure and limited service upgrades.
According to an October 2024 report, many shops and restaurants in central Garapan, Saipan’s tourism hub, have shuttered.
