Chengdu Airport receives 3m international throughput in 2014
( chinadaily.com.cn )
Updated: 2014-12-11
The annual international throughput at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport had exceeded 3 million by December 2014, nearly a 30 percent year-to-year increase, according to Chengdu Customs. Chengdu has consequently become the first city in Midwest China to handle more than 3 million international journeys in a year.
The past four years have seen a significant increase in the amount of international travelers (from 1 million to 3 million) at Chengdu airport. The swift growth is mainly due to the opening of several intercontinental and transoceanic routes, with the support of Chengdu’s government and major airlines.
At present, 78 international routes start from Chengdu, covering more than 20 countries and regions in four continents. More than 410 international flights depart or arrive at the airport each week.
In addition, China's 72 hour visa-free policy, which offers international transit passengers a 72-hour visa-free entry, further attracts more people to choose Chengdu as their destination.
The increase in the amount of international travelers brings challenges to Chengdu's Customs and airport staff but they respond fast to the changes. For example, more electronic billboards have been set up in the airport terminals so that passengers can easily be given information. Also, more customs officers have been arranged to serve passengers in order to reduce their waiting time.
By Shi Zihan and edited by Brian Salter
