Chinese air passengers can request refunds for Jan 28 to Mar 8 flights

BEIJING, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Chinese airline passengers who bought tickets for flights between Jan. 28 and March 8 can request a full refund, the Civil Aviation Administration said on Tuesday, as rising COVID-19 cases curtail travel during the upcoming holiday season.

China's government has discouraged travel during the peak Lunar New Year season to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People leaving from larger metropolitan areas are also reluctant to travel for fear of nervous reactions from the residents of outlying cities and towns.

Increased testing requirements are also a factor for skipping the traditional trips back to home towns during the holiday period, which will occur starting on Feb. 12 this year. (Reporting by Stella Qiu and Brenda Goh; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)