China’s annual Spring Festival travel rush has officially begun, marking the start of what is widely considered the largest human migration in the world. Spanning 40 days from early February through mid-March, the 2026 travel period is unfolding under exceptional conditions: the longest Spring Festival holiday on record, surging passenger demand, and the debut of new smart airport infrastructure designed to handle unprecedented volumes.
Authorities expect travel levels to surpass last year’s already historic figures, reflecting both pent-up demand and the cultural importance of returning home for the Lunar New Year.
This year’s holiday coincides with a rare nine-day public break, a factor expected to spread travel over a longer window while also encouraging longer-distance trips. National planners estimate up to 9.5 billion passenger journeys across all transport modes during the period, exceeding the 9.02 billion recorded in 2025. Civil aviation alone is projected to handle around 95 million passenger trips, averaging nearly 19,400 flights per day.
Major hubs such as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen Bao’an, and Chengdu Tianfu are operating at sustained peak intensity as demand concentrates on trunk routes linking China’s largest city clusters.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is drawing particular attention this year as its new Terminal 3 undergoes its first Spring Festival stress test. Over the 40-day period, the airport expects more than 10.5 million passenger trips and over 65,000 takeoffs and landings. To manage the surge, smart technology plays a central role.
Self-service systems allow passengers to complete check-in, baggage drop, and parts of the security process with minimal human intervention, significantly reducing congestion during peak hours. Group concierge services are also available for large parties, helping families and tour groups move through the terminal more efficiently.
Beyond efficiency, airports are emphasizing experience. Observation decks, cultural installations, festive performances, and pop-up street fairs are transforming terminals into spaces that reflect the celebratory spirit of the season. At Guangzhou, travelers encounter orchid gardens, local food stalls, and live entertainment, reinforcing the idea that the journey home is as meaningful as the destination itself.
Despite economic uncertainty that has made some consumers more cautious, travel demand remains robust. Domestic flight bookings are running more than 20 percent higher year over year, while outbound travel is rebounding strongly, particularly to Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, airlines and air traffic authorities have expanded capacity, refined traffic flow management, and coordinated staffing to maintain safety and reliability under pressure.
As chunyun accelerates, China’s aviation network is being tested not just on scale, but on its ability to blend technology, coordination, and service. The outcome will shape expectations for how megacities manage mass mobility in the years ahead.