The number of entry-exit passengers of Chengdu city, capital of Sichuan province, reached a record high of 1.48 million in 2011, ranking first among ports in Midwest China.

The Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport received more than 300,000 entry-exit passengers and 2,500 flights, increasing by 44 percent from the year earlier, the West China Metropolis Daily reported from the Chengdu Frontier Inspection Station.

The Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has developed into a major Southwest air hub that connects the world with 40 direct flights, charter flights and transit flights to more than ten countries and regions, including the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and UAE. It is also expected to open regular direct flights to Mumbai, Australia and the US this year.