Chongqing- The hustle and bustle has returned to most of China's airports with rising demand for travel and the overall economic recovery. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport has experienced a surge in the aviation market since this year's summer rush. 

On August 4, the airport witnessed an impressive 4.277 million passengers in July, with this influx of travelers reaching a daily record high of 152,200 individuals.

Data reveals that Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport registered 29,300 flights in July, marking a substantial 16.32% increase. The number of passengers increased by 38.34% compared to the same month in the previous year, emphasizing the airport's growing appeal and significance.

A seamless connection between Western China, Europe, and the Middle East

Since July, flights from Chongqing to international destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and Nha Trang have observed passenger load factors exceeding 85%. This indicates a steady rebound in the outbound tourism market.

The airport will expand and meet the annual passenger throughput of 80 million in 2024. The expanding Terminal 3B is about 360,000 square meters, serving as the world's most considerable floor space and largest throughput single satellite terminal.

In line with its expansion efforts, Jiangbei Airport has launched medium and long-haul routes to cities like London, Madrid, Rome, Budapest, Moscow, and Dubai. This move establishes a seamless connection between Western China, Europe, and the Middle East.

Xiamen Airlines inaugurated its direct flight service between Chongqing and Osaka on August 5. This service holds the distinction of being Chongqing Airport's first direct flight to Japan post-pandemic.

Additionally, on September 25, Qatar Airways is slated to reinstate its direct flights between Chongqing and Doha, operating three times a week. Through Qatar Airways' extensive global route network, Chongqing residents can now transit via Doha to access over 160 international destinations.

So far, international passenger flights have been opened to 61 countries and regions, recovering to about 80 percent of the level during the same period of 2019, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Pivotal hub for domestic travelers with tourism demand

Furthermore, the surge in domestic air routes remains evident. Flights to popular destinations such as Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Tibet autonomous region, and Yunnan Province, among other traditional tourist hotspots, are in high demand. 

Flight loads to eastern and southern Chinese coastal cities, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, are also experiencing high demand. 

This trend is attributed to two primary reasons: the travel enthusiasm of Chongqing's citizens and the increasing appeal of Chongqing as an emergent tourist destination, drawing in numerous travelers.

The continued growth of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport underlines its strategic significance in China's aviation landscape, acting as a pivotal hub for both domestic and international travelers.