Chongqing - China’s annual Spring Festival travel rush, known as Chunyun, began on Feb. 2, marking the start of the busiest period of the year for civil aviation. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport said it is preparing for record passenger volumes during the 40-day travel peak.

Departure level at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

Airport authorities estimate that more than 6.25 million passenger trips will be handled during Chunyun, alongside over 40,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings. Average daily passenger throughput is expected to exceed 160,000, with peak days potentially surpassing 170,000 travelers, according to preliminary data released by the airport.

To meet rising demand, 15 airlines, including Air China, Hainan Airlines, Chongqing Airlines, West Air, and China Express Airlines, have collectively scheduled more than 2,000 additional flights operating to and from Chongqing during the travel season.

On domestic routes, increased capacity is focused on two main areas. Flights to China's largest cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, have been significantly expanded. Daily services from Chongqing will rise to 34 flights to Beijing, 32 to Shanghai and 28 to Guangzhou.

Airlines are also adding capacity to popular tourist destinations. Daily flights to Haikou will increase to 16, while services to Shenyang will reach 15. Routes to Xishuangbanna will operate up to eight times daily, with additional frequencies introduced to destinations such as Urumqi and Dali, providing travelers with greater flexibility.

International and regional routes are also seeing notable growth, particularly to Southeast Asia. Hainan Airlines has increased its Chongqing-Bangkok service to daily flights starting January 12. From February, Chongqing Airlines will launch new routes to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Penang, bringing the total number of daily Chongqing–Bangkok flights to 6.

Air China has expanded services on the Chongqing–Seoul route to daily flights and doubled Chongqing–Singapore frequencies to two per day, bringing total daily services to potentially five. Tianjin Airlines plans to increase Chongqing–Moscow flights to twice weekly starting March 1.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport currently operates 38 international and regional passenger routes, with around 240 flights per week, connecting the city to destinations including Seattle, London, Paris, Rome, Budapest, Dubai, Singapore, and Seoul.

Airport authorities advised passengers to arrive early during peak travel days. Travelers using Terminal 3 were encouraged to check in at the B1 level near Exit Level of Chongqing Rail Transit Line 10, where queues are typically shorter. The airport has also expanded free overnight rest areas within Terminal 3, offering reclining space, charging facilities, and drinking water, with limited daytime recreational services available near domestic arrivals.

A rest area near Gate 7 in the domestic arrivals hall of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport offers free table tennis during the daytime. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

At Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, inbound passengers from various countries are arriving in greater numbers. Ben, a traveler from London, shared his experience of visiting China last year and returning this year to explore new places. He was impressed by the effort locals put into communicating with him, despite the language barrier, leaving him with a positive impression. 

Similarly, a couple from Poland and London, benefiting from visa-free travel, spoke about their 28-day trip across China, which included stops in Chongqing, Beijing, and Guizhou. They noted that the border services were fast and efficient, adding to their smooth travel experience.

Meanwhile, outbound travel from China is increasing. Airlines have added thousands of additional flights to accommodate the growing demand for popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Northeast Asia. One Chinese traveler, Miss Chen, heading to Kuala Lumpur, mentioned that airlines, such as Sichuan Airlines, have expanded flight schedules, offering more convenient evening flights. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their trips around the Spring Festival holiday with ease, ensuring a smooth journey during this busy period.

Beyond the airport, popular commercial areas and cultural landmarks in Chongqing are also seeing a rise in international visitors. The city's bustling attractions, including Jiefangbei, Raffles City, and Hongya Cave, are filled with tourists exploring local culture and shopping for unique souvenirs. A Brazilian tourist shared their excitement over discovering new toys and merchandise in China, which are not available in Brazil. Their experience reflects the broader rebound in inbound tourism, with visitors eager to explore and enjoy what China has to offer.