Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has improved boarding and flight turnaround efficiency with a new zoned boarding scheme launched in February.
After months of trial runs and optimization, the refined service has eased peak-time queueing and cabin congestion, enhancing passenger experience.
Previously, simultaneous boarding of multiple flights often caused aisle blockages, long waits and travel anxiety. To fix the problem, the airport adopted a standardized three-stage boarding process.
Priority boarding is offered to premium cabin passengers and travelers with special needs, including the elderly, pregnant women and passengers with disabilities. Next, rear-row economy passengers board first to place their luggage without blocking aisles. Front-row economy passengers board last for faster, smoother seating.
Hongqiao Airport has updated flight displays, added guidance signs, arranged on-site staff and released unified operating rules with airline feedback. Major local carriers have fully adopted the new policy, while several other airlines are steadily rolling it out.
The structured boarding system has greatly reduced chaos and improved overall airport operational efficiency.
