Chongqing—Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport recently introduced its mascot, Yu Feifei—a playful yet practical character designed to make aviation services more engaging. Appearing in various roles, it offers travelers tips and updates, enhancing the airport experience.

Tourists from South Africa pose for a photo with Yu Feifei at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport on July 8. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Blending the essence of Chongqing's landscape and aviation spirit, Yu Feifei wears a high-visibility vest in tribute to frontline airport workers and carries a backpack styled after the airport's Terminal 3B and runway. The mascot's roller-style shoes reflect the airport's efficient pace, while its aircraft-shaped head and mountain-themed facial features symbolize the city's connection to flight and geography.

Children on summer vacation enjoy a moment with Yu Feifei at the airport. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

The launch comes as Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport expects a sharp increase in passenger traffic this summer. According to official airport figures, flight takeoffs and landings are projected to reach 61,000, up 3.2%, with passenger throughput estimated at 9.4 million, marking a 6.0% rise.

Air Macau resumed direct Chongqing-Macau flights on July 2, operating every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Additionally, a new codeshare agreement between Hainan Airlines and Spain's Air Europa went live on July 1. It enables one-stop ticketing, through-checked luggage, and smoother transit for travelers. Passengers flying from Chongqing to Madrid via Hainan Airlines can now seamlessly connect to destinations such as Lima, São Paulo, Salvador, and Panama City, formally opening Chongqing's new air corridor to Latin America.

In tandem with these developments, discounted fares have been rolled out for flights to visa-free destinations in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia. One-way, tax-inclusive fares start at 700 yuan (97 USD) for Chongqing-Bangkok, 880 yuan for Macau, 933 yuan for Hong Kong, 1,069 yuan for Kuala Lumpur, and 1,099 yuan for Singapore. Seats are limited and available via airline websites or major online travel agencies such as Ctrip and Fliggy.

Air China plans to operate 41 routes from Chongqing this summer,  32 domestic and nine international/regional. According to a Chongqing-based Air China representative, the airline is increasing its Tokyo route to daily service and deploying wide-body aircraft on flights to Budapest and Dubai. New one-ticket, baggage-through check-in options are available for connections via Chongqing to domestic or international destinations.

Departure level at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport on July 8. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Rising demand from families, students, and leisure travelers is also driving passenger volume. West Air, part of HNA Group, is offering its interline product this summer with discounts up to 10%.

Internationally, Jiangbei Airport now operates 33 international and regional passenger routes, with nearly 180 weekly flights covering North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia. Nine long-haul international routes, including London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Sydney, now offer seamless check-in and baggage services for global transit through Chongqing.

Domestically, airlines have ramped up services to popular tourist destinations such as Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as emerging hot spots like Dunhuang, Gansu province, and Yanji, Jilin province.