China's aviation sector is gearing up for a bustling Labor Day holiday, with air travel expected to hit a record 10.75 million passengers between May 1 and 5, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This marks an 8% increase compared to 2023, underscoring a resurgence in domestic and international tourism.
CAAC official Shang Kejia noted daily passenger volumes could reach 2.15 million on average, peaking at 2.3 million on May 1 and 5. Key domestic routes include the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei cluster, Yangtze River Delta, and Greater Bay Area linking Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Regional hotspots like Yunnan Province’s Xishuangbanna and Lijiang, as well as Lhasa in the Xizang Autonomous Region, are witnessing heightened demand.
International travel is also rebounding, driven by eased visa policies and streamlined tax refund services. Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Southeast Asian nations remain top destinations, with foreign airlines expanding flight capacity to meet demand.
Airlines have scheduled 88,000 flights during the holiday, up 2.3% year-on-year, with 173 additional flights approved to manage congestion. Despite forecasts of high temperatures and severe weather risks, the CAAC emphasized safety protocols to minimize disruptions.
This surge highlights China’s post-pandemic recovery and efforts to bolster tourism, offering insights for investors and businesses monitoring Asia’s economic pulse.
