Air China is suspending flights between Gatwick and Beijing from October 27, less than 18 months after their launch.
Airline insiders suggest it is not economically viable for the airline to support year-round flights to Beijing from both Gatwick and Heathrow.
Gatwick believes the airline will return next summer, re-commencing flights in spring 2014, with four services a week.
Better news for Gatwick is that Vietnam Airlines will add a fifth summer service in April.
