Thanks to an expanded international flight network, Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao airports have reported a record number of passengers over summer.
From 1st July to 31st August, the two airports handled 147,000 flights, a 3% increase over the previous year.
Passenger traffic during this period grew by 5%, reaching 24.18 million.
The Shanghai Airport Authority on Monday also reported a new single-day record on 15th August, with 421,000 passengers.
In addition, new long-haul routes now connect Shanghai to Belgrade, Serbia; Casablanca, Morocco; and Geneva, Switzerland.
Airlines also added or resumed flights to Ibaraki, Japan; Cheongju, South Korea; and Manado, Indonesia, and increased services to Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Hanoi.
Moreover, direct flights to Central Asia are now available, with routes to Shymkent and Almaty in Kazakhstan, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, Shine News reports.
Pudong Airport has also opened new transfer halls and improved its baggage systems, including a new service that allows passengers to check their luggage all the way to their final destination, even on connecting flights with different airlines.
Additionally, both Pudong and Hongqiao airports offer 24-hour security and customs clearance. Travellers with long layovers can also use rest areas, sleeping pods, and showers.
Pudong Airport has also installed more self-service kiosks for check-in and bag drop, and Hongqiao Airport has opened new security lanes designed for families.
Furthermore, in order to improve the passenger experience, Shanghai's airports have installed nearly 60 information screens at ride-hailing pickup points. These screens display real-time driver details in both Chinese and English for better clarity and communication.
In addition to these upgrades, the airports have also hosted a variety of cultural events for travellers. As part of their summer programs, both Pudong and Hongqiao airports featured performances such as concerts, operas, and puppet shows, catering to both international and domestic visitors.