Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. [Photo/IC]
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport handled a record-breaking 304,000 inbound and outbound travelers in July — marking the busiest month since the airport resumed international operations in March 2023.
The latest surge in traffic in July was driven by over 90,000 Chinese residents traveling abroad, primarily for family vacations and student study tours. Nearly 10,000 children under 14 were among those traveling, reflecting a growing diversity in travel destinations.
Popular spots included Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand. Newer destinations, such as the UAE and Vietnam, have gained popularity due to visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies.
Inbound travel also saw a significant increase, with nearly 35,000 foreign visitors entering via Hongqiao — up 24.6 percent from last year.
Around 40 percent of these travelers were young adults aged 25-44, taking advantage of China's improved visa policies, including a 240-hour visa-free transit option, to explore the country or conduct short-term business.
To manage the high volume of passengers and challenges like extreme weather, the Hongqiao Border Inspection Station has enhanced its operations.
Measures include strategic police deployments, improved emergency plans and optimized checkpoint services to ensure a smooth and secure travel experience.
As Shanghai continues to draw more international visitors, Hongqiao Airport is widely said to remain a vital hub for global travel and cultural exchange, reinforcing its role as a key entry point to China.
