Shanghai Airports Boost Services for International Travelers Ahead of Spring Festival

The number of international visitors during this year's Spring Festival travel rush is expected to rise as more countries are added to China's visa-free program, Shanghai's airport authority said on Monday.

To accommodate the influx, both Pudong and Hongqiao airports are offering enhanced multi-language services and a one-stop service center for foreign travelers.

These services include assistance with transportation and travel information. Pudong has also set up "Easy Pass" multilingual guide stations to support international arrivals.

In addition, passengers in transit can enjoy amenities such as sleeping pods, free lounges, and even a free half-day tour of Shanghai. Volunteer translators are available at key areas to provide language assistance.

The 2026 Spring Festival travel season began today and will last until March 13, with the Chinese New Year falling on February 17.

The busiest travel period is set to see 96,000 flights from the two airports, a 1.9 percent increase from last year.

Total passenger traffic is projected to reach 15.53 million, with a daily average of 388,000 people, up 3.6 percent from 2025.

In addition to the traditional homecoming travel, this year's Spring Festival will see a rise in outbound tourism, winter trips to northern China, and warm-weather getaways in the south, the airport authority said.

Self-service options have been improved, with Pudong offering a "one-stop" security process that allows passengers to check in their luggage and pass security without having to return to the check-in desk if their checked luggage requires a second security inspection. Hongqiao has also introduced facial recognition for departing passengers at certain terminals.

The "Shanghai Airport" mobile app allows senior passengers, pregnant women, and those with accessibility needs to book a full-service green channel, ensuring smoother journeys.