Aviation authorities brace for record number of passenger trips during holiday

One day ahead of the travel rush, lines of outbound passengers were seen at the airport's check-in counters on Thursday morning. An airline company staff member noted an increase in international passengers about a week ago while providing guidance at the entrance of a check-in line.

To maintain order, barriers have been set up in a zig-zag formation in front of the check-in counters.

Groups of children, dressed in distinctive attire, waited in line on Thursday. Many of these children are participating in educational tours being offered during the winter break.

For instance, Wang Ruyan, a seventh grader, departed from Beijing to Rome on Thursday afternoon as part of a group tour. To avoid the crowds, she arrived four hours before departure.

Long Shangbang, who lives in the United States, traveled back to China for the holidays for the first time in four years in December.

On Thursday, he departed from Beijing to Japan and plans to return to China for the Spring Festival holiday.

"The airport is busier than I expected," he said.

China's civil aviation industry was severely impacted by the epidemic but has experienced a gradual recovery, particularly in the international market.