Core Viewpoint - The Spring Festival travel rush (Chunyun) in 2026 is expected to see a record 9 billion trips, reflecting a strong demand for travel during the holiday season, with various measures in place to ensure passenger safety and comfort [6][8]. Group 1: Spring Festival Travel Overview - The Spring Festival travel period runs from February 2 to March 13, lasting 40 days, with a total of 9 days off for the holiday this year [6]. - The anticipated cross-regional passenger flow is projected to reach 9.5 billion trips, marking a historical high [6]. - The railway sector expects to transport 540 million passengers, with over 14,000 trains operating on peak days, and a 5.3% increase in seating capacity compared to the previous year [8]. Group 2: Volunteer and Service Initiatives - Over 18,000 railway volunteers are deployed across 527 stations to assist passengers during the travel rush, providing guidance and support [8]. - Special services are offered for vulnerable groups, including elderly, disabled, and pregnant travelers, ensuring a one-on-one assistance approach [7][8]. Group 3: Transportation Enhancements - New train schedules have been implemented to improve capacity and service quality, including the introduction of high-speed trains connecting major cities [9][10]. - The Beijing West Station has upgraded its facilities, including free charging stations and improved seating, enhancing the overall passenger experience [7][10]. Group 4: Aviation Sector Developments - The civil aviation sector anticipates a passenger volume of 95 million during the Spring Festival, reflecting a 5.3% year-on-year increase [11]. - New services such as "air-rail intermodal" options are being introduced to streamline the travel process for passengers, allowing for easier check-in and baggage handling [12]. - Airlines are launching various customer-friendly initiatives, including additional baggage allowances for students and special services for elderly and young travelers [12].

Core Viewpoint - The Spring Festival travel rush in 2024 is expected to see a record high of 9.5 billion trips, with significant increases in self-driving, rail, and air travel, alongside measures to enhance transportation capacity and service quality [1][12]. Group 1: Travel Demand and Capacity - The Spring Festival travel period will last from February 2 to March 13, 2024, with a total of 40 days and the longest holiday of 9 days [1]. - The total inter-regional passenger flow is projected to reach 9.5 billion, marking a historical peak, with self-driving trips accounting for approximately 80% of the total [12]. - Rail and air passenger volumes are expected to reach 540 million and 95 million, respectively, with both overall scale and daily peak volumes anticipated to exceed historical levels [12]. Group 2: Transportation Measures - The Ministry of Transport announced a policy to waive tolls for small vehicles (7 seats or fewer) during the holiday period, alongside efforts to enhance charging infrastructure for electric vehicles [12][16]. - The railway sector plans to operate over 14,000 passenger trains on peak days, with a year-on-year increase in seating capacity of 5.3% [2][12]. - The introduction of a new telephone booking service for elderly passengers and a limited-time free refund policy for mistakenly purchased tickets aims to improve accessibility and customer service [13][14]. Group 3: Electric Vehicle Charging Support - By the end of 2025, the number of electric vehicles in China is expected to reach 43.97 million, with a significant increase in charging infrastructure, including 71,500 charging points at highway service areas [16]. - During the Spring Festival, measures will be taken to enhance charging service capabilities, including the deployment of mobile emergency charging equipment and the optimization of charging times [16][17]. Group 4: Aviation and Tourism Integration - The integration of transportation and tourism is emphasized, with increased capacity for popular travel routes and the introduction of new travel products to meet changing consumer demands [19]. - The Civil Aviation Administration anticipates that air travel during the Spring Festival will reach 95 million passengers, reflecting a year-on-year growth of approximately 5.3% [19][20]. - Airlines are encouraged to enhance service offerings, including family-friendly amenities and improved accessibility for elderly passengers, to cater to diverse travel needs [20][21].

Core Insights - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season will begin on February 2 and end on March 13, lasting 40 days, with an expected record high of 9.5 billion trips across the country [1] - The government will enhance transportation capacity, stagger travel times, and improve service guarantees to ensure safe and smooth travel for the public [1] Transportation Sector - Road travel will dominate, with approximately 80% of trips expected to be by private car, and measures will be taken to optimize travel experiences, including real-time information dissemination [3][4] - By the end of 2025, the number of new energy vehicles in China is projected to reach 43.97 million, with 12.93 million registered in 2025 alone, highlighting the growing importance of charging infrastructure [3] - During the Spring Festival, from February 15 to February 23, tolls for small passenger vehicles will be waived on national highways [4] Rail Sector - The railway and civil aviation sectors are expected to see passenger volumes of 540 million and 95 million, respectively, with both sectors aiming to exceed historical peaks [5] - The introduction of a new internet-based free refund policy for mistakenly purchased train tickets will be implemented, allowing refunds within 30 minutes of purchase [6] - New train routes and increased service frequency will be introduced to meet changing travel demands, particularly for family and tourism-related trips [5][6] Aviation Sector - The civil aviation sector anticipates a surge in travel for both domestic and international tourism, with a focus on routes catering to winter tourism and warmer destinations [7] - Airlines will be encouraged to enhance service offerings, including child-friendly amenities and improved accessibility for elderly travelers [8] - Airports will be supported in integrating cultural and consumer products into their shopping offerings, enhancing the travel experience [8]

Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season is expected to see a record high of 9.5 billion trips, with significant measures being implemented to ensure safe and smooth travel for the public [1][4]. Transportation Measures - The travel period will last from February 2 to March 13, 2026, with a focus on increasing transportation capacity, guiding peak travel times, and enhancing service guarantees [1]. - During the Spring Festival, highways will waive tolls for small passenger vehicles (seven seats or fewer) from February 15 to February 23, 2026 [3]. Travel Trends - Self-driving travel will dominate, accounting for approximately 80% of trips, with trends such as "reverse Spring Festival travel" becoming more common [2]. - The number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is projected to increase, with 43.97 million NEVs expected by the end of 2025, and 12.93 million new registrations in 2025 alone [2]. Rail and Air Travel Enhancements - Rail and air passenger volumes are expected to reach 540 million and 95 million, respectively, surpassing historical peaks [4]. - The introduction of a new internet-based free refund policy for mistakenly purchased train tickets will be implemented, allowing refunds within 30 minutes of purchase [6]. Air Travel Adjustments - The civil aviation sector will focus on meeting diverse travel demands, including increased flights for winter tourism and outbound travel [7]. - Airlines will be encouraged to enhance services for elderly travelers and families, including special meals and entertainment for children [8].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese civil aviation industry anticipates a significant increase in passenger transport during the Spring Festival travel season, with a projected total of 95 million passengers, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 5.3% [1][2] Group 1: Passenger Transport Expectations - The civil aviation authority predicts that the Spring Festival travel will not only focus on traditional homecoming but also on outbound tourism, northern ice and snow tourism, and southern warm weather tourism [1] - The total passenger transport volume is expected to reach 95 million, indicating a growth of about 5.3% compared to the previous year [1] Group 2: Flight Capacity and Service Enhancements - Airlines are encouraged to scientifically arrange flight capacity to meet diverse travel demands, particularly for winter tourism and warm weather escapes [1] - The civil aviation authority is promoting the development of domestic connecting flights and air express services to enhance convenience for travelers, especially for those in smaller cities [1] Group 3: Quality of Travel Services - Airlines and airports are urged to improve accessibility for elderly travelers by providing guidance, resting areas, and special seating [1] - Family-friendly services are being encouraged, including children's meal pre-orders and play areas in airports [1] Group 4: Cultural and Tourism Integration - Airports are increasingly incorporating cultural and tourism elements, showcasing local culture and products, and hosting themed exhibitions [2] - The civil aviation authority supports the introduction of cultural products and local specialties into airport shopping, promoting new cross-scenario discounts with local attractions and businesses [2]

Core Insights - The domestic through-flight business in China's civil aviation industry has shown remarkable growth in 2025, with 970,000 groups of flights and over 3.13 million passengers, representing year-on-year increases of 167% and 148% respectively [1] Group 1: Business Growth and Network Expansion - The domestic through-flight business continued to grow rapidly in 2025, with over 140,000 new flight registrations, including 26,300 cross-airline through-flights, marking a year-on-year increase of over 143% compared to 2024 [2] - The industry has seen a comprehensive enhancement in participation, with all 41 domestic airlines, 259 airports, and over 300 ground service units signing the "Through-Flight Service Agreement" [2] - A total of 11,107 groups of routes connecting cities without direct flights have been established, contributing to the creation of a "national civil aviation network" [2] Group 2: Airline Collaboration and Market Dynamics - A differentiated and positive development pattern has emerged, with major airlines leading and smaller airlines collaborating, enhancing the overall industry dynamics [3] - Major airlines such as China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China have collectively served 653,100 through-flight passengers, accounting for 65.31% of the total industry [3] - Hainan Airlines has integrated resources from 11 domestic passenger airlines to promote cross-airline joint transport products, with 86% of its through-flight passengers coming from cross-airline cooperation [3] Group 3: Hub Airport and Regional Connectivity - Hub airports like Beijing Daxing, Xi'an, and Urumqi have effectively utilized their route networks to gather and distribute passenger flows, ranking among the top five in terms of domestic through-flight passenger support [4] - Regional airports have leveraged the "multiplier effect" of hub airports, with Hetian Airport increasing its operational reach by 77% and serving over 80,000 through-flight passengers, a 4.1-fold increase year-on-year [4] Group 4: Standardization and Brand Development - The introduction of the "Domestic Through-Flight Service Part 1: Identification" standard has enhanced service recognition and brand building within the industry [5] - This standard has been recognized as a high-quality group standard in Beijing and is now applied across 21 airlines, 186 airports, and 6 OTA platforms, improving brand visibility throughout the passenger journey [5] Group 5: Innovative Service Models - A new service model for handling overweight luggage has been implemented to address industry pain points, allowing passengers to pay for overweight luggage fees at the departure station and ensuring seamless transfer [6][7] - The new model has been successfully trialed in Wuhan and Shijiazhuang airports, with plans for broader industry implementation expected by 2026 [7]

Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season in China is expected to see a record high of 95 million passengers, with daily averages of 2.38 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of approximately 5.3% [1][3] Group 1: Passenger Transport Expectations - The total passenger transport volume during the Spring Festival travel period is projected to reach 95 million, with a daily average of 2.38 million, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year [1][3] - Two peaks in passenger flow are anticipated around the Spring Festival holiday, particularly due to the late timing of the holiday in 2026, leading to concentrated return flows of students and workers, with daily peaks potentially reaching 2.6 million [3][6] - The demand for air travel is expected to be further released due to the combination of traditional return flows and a surge in holiday tourism [3] Group 2: Travel Trends and Popular Destinations - Popular travel routes are expected to include northern ice and snow tourism and southern warm weather escapes, with significant interest in outbound and inbound travel routes [3][4] - As of January 19, over 520,000 tickets for domestic flights and over 180,000 for international flights had been booked for the first day of the Spring Festival travel season [4] Group 3: Operational Preparedness and Flight Arrangements - The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) plans to ensure 780,000 flights during the Spring Festival travel period, averaging 19,400 flights per day, which is a 5% increase from the previous year [6][7] - The CAAC is enhancing coordination across departments and regions to manage flight flow effectively and maintain a high on-time performance rate during the travel season [7] - Measures are being taken to address potential operational pressures from complex weather conditions and high passenger volumes, including safety checks and emergency response preparations [6][7]