(CFP)
Border ports in Jiangsu are expected to see a surge in inbound and outbound trips during the National Day holiday, driven in part by China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
The province’s General Station of Immigration Inspection revealed on September 28 that border ports are expected to handle more than 660 inbound and outbound flights and ferries with nearly 100,000 passenger trips during the holiday from October 1 to 7, representing year-on-year increases of approximately 57.5% and 105%, respectively.
As a key hub of opening up, Jiangsu is home to nine international airports. Currently, airports in Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, Nantong, Yangzhou, Xuzhou, and Yancheng have launched 42 international (regional) passenger routes and 10 cargo routes. The frequency of these passenger flights, such as the Nanjing-Tokyo route, will be further increased.
Since the beginning of this year, Jiangsu has achieved a steady economic recovery. The monthly number of inbound and outbound visitors through Nanjing Lukou International Airport has increased significantly year-on-year. To date, the Nanjing Immigration Inspection Station has recorded nearly 2 million passenger trips and 14,500 flights this year, marking year-on-year increases of 102.5% and 88.4%, respectively.
During the National Day holiday, the airport is expected to handle more than 56,000 entry-exit trips, with outbound tourists accounting for more than 70% of the total. Thailand, Japan, and South Korea will continue to be the most popular travel destinations.
Wuxi’s Shuofang Airport recorded 632,000 passenger trips, a year-on-year increase of 146.6%. This includes more than 65,800 foreign passengers, a threefold increase year-on-year. Of these, 6,400 entered under the visa-free transit policy, a year-on-year increase of 9.9 times. During the week-long holiday, the airport is expected to welcome more than 21,000 inbound and outbound passenger trips and over 150 flights.
Changzhou launched its direct flight to Tokyo on September 21. Currently, Changzhou’s airport also operates passenger routes to Bangkok, Vientiane and Nha Trang. The city is expected to handle 35 inbound and outbound flights and approximately 4,000 passenger trips during the National Day holiday.
To ensure efficient customs clearance, immigration inspection authorities will provide timely updates on traffic data and response measures. During peak traffic periods, the authorities will deploy additional police officers, strengthen passenger guidance, and add dedicated lanes for Chinese citizens, ensuring their customs clearance within 30 minutes. Additional foreign language signage and multilingual volunteers will also be in place to facilitate customs clearance for foreign passengers.
