Tens of thousands of new Chinese tourists could flock to Britain after ministers struck a deal to boost the number of flights between the UK and the Far East.

Eighty flights a week currently ferry passengers between Britain and China.

But that could climb to 200 after the Government and Beijing agreed to scrap a cap on the number of services.

Supporters hope it will boost Britain’s tourism industry as the UK prepares to quit the EU .

But officials were unable to say whether any airlines wanted to operate new flights, which airports could be involved or if any new landing slots would become available at Heathrow to cater for the extra planes.

Despite the uncertainty, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling claimed: “This deal is a big moment for the UK.

“Strong connections with emerging markets like China are vital for us if we are to continue competing on the global economic stage.

 

 

“Hundreds of thousands of Chinese people visit the UK every year, spending hundreds of millions of pounds.

“Raising the number of permitted flights between the two countries will provide massive opportunities for our businesses, helping increase trade, create jobs and boost our economy up and down the country.”

 

The agreement was finalised after talks in London yesterday.

There will be no limit on the number of all-cargo services.

Nearly 270,000 Chinese tourists and businessmen and women visited the UK last year, spending £586million.

Meanwhile, George Osborne, who spent six years wooing potential Chinese investors as Chancellor urged new Prime Minister Theresa May to speed up a decision on a third runway for Heathrow Airport.

 

 

Mrs May has promised a decision on airport capacity in the South East of England by the end of October, with Gatwick also still in the running for a new runway.

Reports suggest an announcement - repeatedly delayed under David Cameron ’s administration - may come as early as next week.

 

The former Chancellor told the Commons Business Committee: “Our country has collectively over 60 years dragged its heels on airport expansion.

“At least the Cameron government has set us up for a decision over Heathrow or Gatwick, but we have got to take it as a country.”