Peak period cleared for takeoff at city airports

Shanghai's two airports are expected to handle 13.2 million passengers during the peak travel period, 5 percent more than last year.

Additional flights and transportation have been arranged at Pudong and Hongqiao airports during the travel peak that began yesterday and will last until March 1, Shanghai Airport Authority said.

"I noticed there are a lot of Chinese travelers, but I am happy to be involved in the festive atmosphere," said Cathala Michel from France who was transferring at Pudong airport yesterday, the official beginning of the peak period.

Hammad Saleem from Pakistan said the airport services are efficient despite the huge swell of people.

China Eastern Airlines alone carried about 140,000 passengers on 900 domestic and international flights at both airports yesterday.

A large number of passengers are expected at Pudong airport between January 28 and February 3 and February 10 to 14. The airport expects to handle a record 225,000 a day at the end of the holiday.

Hongqiao airport will receive most passengers before February 3, the day before New Year's Eve, and after February 10. Around 127,000 passengers are expected each day.

Additional overnight flights will operate between 1am and 6am from Pudong airport for the first time, as part of a nationwide trial at 10 busy airports.

A shuttle bus service will begin serving passengers from these flights on January 29. Buses will set off from both Hongqiao and Pudong airports every 15 minutes at night.

Pudong airport has installed 40 additional self-service check-in machines for over 20 airlines taking the number of self-service facilities to 186. Passengers can also check in luggage without the help of others at 14 luggage check-in machines.