The 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) will be held in Guangzhou in three phases from October 14 to November 4. Baiyun International Airport is preparing for a surge in passenger traffic.
The airport is expected to handle an average of around 58,000 inbound and outbound passengers daily during the fair, with the daily peak potentially exceeding 64,000, up 13.6 percent year on year. Overseas passengers are expected to outnumber Chinese passengers by a ratio of 1.2 to 1.
Fueled by demand for the fair, international flight bookings have risen by 5 percent to 20 percent. Baiyun Airport has recently launched new international passenger routes, including Guangzhou–Addis Ababa, and increased frequencies on existing routes such as Guangzhou–New Delhi. It is expected to handle around 313 inbound and outbound international passenger flights daily, up 17.6 percent year on year.
Passenger traffic peaks expected
Inbound passenger peaks are forecast for October 13 to 15, October 22 to 23 and October 30 to 31, while outbound peaks are expected on October 18 to 19, October 26 to 27 and November 3 to 4.
Travelers advised to plan ahead
During the fair, exhibitors and buyers can use dedicated immigration clearance channels by presenting their Canton Fair credentials and valid travel documents. Overseas travelers can submit their arrival information online in advance to significantly reduce waiting times. Eligible foreign businesspeople may also benefit from China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, subject to relevant regulations.
Measures to streamline border checks
The Baiyun Immigration Inspection Station has introduced a range of measures, including a flight-status clearance system, electronic boarding passes and multilingual self-service terminals.
Dedicated inspection channels have been opened for Canton Fair participants, with designated waiting areas for different passenger categories and priority clearance for important business delegations. Temporary entry permits and entry formalities can be completed in a single process, while registration for expedited inspection channels at one location is recognized nationwide. Additional multilingual officers will provide on-site guidance.
The station will also facilitate the swift clearance of inbound and outbound cargo flights carrying exhibition goods, helping improve the on-time clearance and departure rates of international flights.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Nandu Jishi (南都即时)
