China’s skies are about to get busier than ever. With the upcoming five-day Labor Day holiday from May 1 to 5, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) predicts a record-breaking 10.75 million air travelers nationwide. That’s an average of 2.15 million passengers taking to the skies each day, marking an 8% increase compared to last year.
Shang Kejia, a CAAC official, announced at a press briefing on Sunday that the peak travel days are expected on May 1 and 5, each potentially seeing over 2.3 million passenger trips.
Domestic travel demand is soaring, especially on major routes connecting China’s key city clusters: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and Chengdu-Chongqing. Tourist hotspots like Xishuangbanna and Lijiang in Yunnan Province, and Lhasa in the Xizang Autonomous Region, are also drawing in crowds.
International travel isn’t lagging behind. It’s expected to reach its highest level since the start of the second quarter, with destinations like Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Southeast Asian countries topping travelers’ lists.
The surge is partly due to eased visa policies for inbound and transit travelers, along with streamlined tax refund services. These changes are attracting more foreign tourists and encouraging airlines to expand their flight capacities.
To meet the high demand, airlines have scheduled a total of 88,000 flights during the holiday period, a 2.3% increase from last year. They’ve also approved 173 extra flight plans, reflecting an 8% year-on-year rise.
But it’s not all smooth sailing—or flying. Meteorologists are forecasting high temperatures nationwide during the holiday, increasing the chances of severe weather conditions like heavy rainfall. The CAAC has urged all airlines and aviation units to stay alert, implement safety measures, and be prepared to tackle any severe-weather risks.
