Shanghai fully prepared for diverted flights

Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which is currently at the forefront of identifying and containing the threat of imported COVID-19 cases, has been collaborating with customs, immigration and public security departments as well as health and local authorities to manage flights rerouted from Beijing.

The Civil Aviation Authority of China on Sunday announced that all Beijing-bound flights must first stop at one of 12 designated airports in other Chinese cities before continuing to the capital. During this stop, all passengers are required to undergo in-flight medical inspection, a virus test, epidemiologic investigation, temperature checks and make a health declaration. The move is part of measures to prevent imported COVID-19 cases from entering the Chinese capital.

Shanghai is among the 12 Chinese cities responsible for receiving all international flights bound for Beijing.

In response to the new measure, Shanghai Pudong International Airport set up a temporary port of entry and screening area at its satellite terminal within 15 hours to process passengers on Beijing-bound flights that have been rerouted to the city, according to the Shanghai Airport Authority.

On Tuesday afternoon, Air China flight CA942, which was traveling from Dubai to Beijing, landed in Shanghai. During the stop, passengers were also provided with access to power supply and a free dinner and beverages. Snacks and a buffet spread were also available for purchase.

The flight departed Shanghai for Beijing on Wednesday morning with 148 passengers aboard.