China’s Lunar New Year travel period, known as Chunyun, is recognized as the world’s largest annual migration of people. This year, up to 9 billion domestic trips are expected over a 40-day span. Although road travel predominates, air travel remains significant.
Airlines and airports will operate at full capacity during this period, which begins 15 days before the Lunar New Year and lasts for 40 days. On the first day of Chunyun this year, over 2 million individuals traveled by air out of more than 170 million travelers overall on that day.
The peak is anticipated as the Lunar New Year approaches, running from January 28th to February 4th. Authorities project around 90 million people will fly during this rush, mostly on domestic routes but with some international demand.
Among China’s busiest air routes for this Lunar New Year is Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), spanning 750 miles with up to 38 daily flights offered by eleven carriers. “The busiest route this Lunar New Year travel season will be between Shanghai Hongqiao and Shenzhen Bao’an,” according to reports.
Another busy route is Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), covering 730 miles with nine airlines operating flights. The third-busiest route involves Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), contributing significantly to overall traffic between these cities.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) to Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) ranks fourth in busyness with multiple airlines offering services. Harbin Taiping (HRB) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) follows closely behind with several daily roundtrips available.
Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG) has two notable connections: one with Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), featuring numerous daily departures; another with Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), providing an essential link between Southwestern and Southern China.
An international route also makes the list: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Osaka Kansai (KIX). It offers multiple daily flights operated by various carriers including All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.
Finally, Hangzhou Xiaoshan’s second-busiest connection is with Shenzhen Bao’an, offering many seats each way due to high demand in both directions.
Travelers are advised to pack light, arrive early at airports, plan their connections carefully due to potential delays across different transport modes, and stay updated on schedule changes through airline or airport apps.
