Chongqing - On March 21, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport conducted a large-scale operational drill for its new T3B terminal. The drill, designed to mimic real-world scenarios, tested the terminal's facilities and processes to ensure a smooth opening.
The exercise focused on simulating passenger flows, including check-in, security checks, facial recognition boarding, baggage handling, and wayfinding. It also tested the newly built airport monorail rapid transit system connecting T3A and T3B terminals. The drill covered 65 simulated flights, over 3,000 simulated passengers, and 1,750 pieces of luggage, with 35 check-in counters, 21 security channels, and 25 boarding gates in operation.
Over 3,000 simulated passengers arrived in T3B. (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)
During the two-hour drill, "passengers" followed domestic departure procedures, starting from the T3A L4 departure hall and the newly added check-in area on the B1 level. Scenarios such as arriving passengers exiting the terminal, baggage claim, and transfers to T2 were also simulated. The monorail rapid transit system, a key feature connecting T3A and T3B, was a major focus of the drill. The "mini train" takes approximately three minutes to travel between the two terminals, with real-time flight and train information displayed on screens at the station platform.
The drill tested fast security check (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)
In addition to standard procedures, the drill tested special scenarios, such as assisting late-arriving unaccompanied minors and handling passengers with prohibited items. The exercise also evaluated the accuracy of signage and the effectiveness of emergency response plans, ensuring a seamless passenger experience.
Chongqing Airport distributed QR codes to gather feedback so that participants could share their opinions on the terminal's processes and facilities. This feedback will help refine operations before the terminal's official opening.
The airport monorail rapid transit system connects T3A and T3B (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)
The T3B terminal, covering approximately 360,000 square meters, will serve as a satellite hall, with check-in and baggage claim remaining in T3A. Once operational, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport will be upgraded to a "3 terminals + 1 satellite hall + 4 runways" configuration, boosting its annual passenger capacity to 80 million and cargo throughput to 1.2 million tons. This marks a significant step forward in Chongqing's development as an international aviation hub.