Chongqing - The 2024 Spring Festival travel rush in China, spanning from January 26 to March 5, represents not just a major movement of people but also a deeply emotional period for reunions. It is expected to see a 25.4% increase in Chongqing's passenger flow, reaching 30.9 million, highlighting its significance as the world's largest human migration and the strong cultural importance of returning home for the festival.
During the period, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport expects 38,000 aircraft movements and 5.6 million passenger trips, averaging 950 flights and 140,000 passengers daily. The highest passenger flow typically occurs in the last three days before the Spring Festival, as families and tourists travel to reach their destinations in time for the celebrations.
Haikou, Sanya, and Harbin are the top winter destinations for their heavy snow or tropical settings. To meet demand, major airlines are increasing flights, including Sichuan Airlines to Qionghai, West Air to Harbin, and Tianjin Airlines to Haikou, and flights to Sanya will use wide-body aircraft, enhancing connectivity from Chongqing to these popular locations.
In terms of international routes, Chongqing has increased flights to Phuket and Nha Trang and introduced charter flights to Southeast Asia destinations like Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Langkawi. Thailand and Malaysia are facilitating travel with a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, enhancing the convenience of boarding flights from Chongqing.
The Spring Festival travel rush poses a logistical challenge, testing the coordination of air, rail, highway, water, and urban transport, as well as the collaboration between government and societal sectors, reflecting the development and progress of Chinese society.