China's civil aviation sector is gearing up for a sky-high season this Labor Day holiday. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) forecasts 10.75 million air travelers nationwide from May 1 to 5.
That's an average of 2.15 million trips per day—an 8% jump from last year and a new holiday record, says CAAC official Shang Kejia. Peak days on May 1 and 5 could each see over 2.3 million departures.
Hot Spots in the Sky
Domestic demand centers on four major city clusters:
- Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei
- Yangtze River Delta
- Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area
- Chengdu–Chongqing
Regional routes to Yunnan's Xishuangbanna and Lijiang, and to Lhasa in the Xizang Autonomous Region, are also in high demand.
International Flights Take Off
International travel is set to rebound strongly, with Japan, the Republic of Korea and Southeast Asian nations topping the list of destinations. Eased visa policies for inbound and transit travelers and streamlined tax refund services are driving more foreign arrivals, and airlines are expanding capacity.
Flight Capacity & Safety Measures
Airlines have planned 88,000 scheduled flights—up 2.3% from last year—and secured 173 extra flight plans (an 8% increase). With high temperatures and potential severe convective weather, the CAAC has urged all operators to ramp up safety protocols and weather-risk responses.
Whether you’re a young global explorer or a business traveler, planning ahead and staying weather-aware will help you catch your flight in style this Labor Day.
Reference(s):
China: Air travel expected to see stable growth in Labor Day holiday
cgtn.com
