Hongqiao airport focuses on safety as travel picks up
A self-service certificate check station at the Hongqiao airport
The number of travelers on domestic flights has rebounded at Shanghai's Hongqiao airport as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes in China, and more are expected during the upcoming Labor Day holiday from Friday.
The airport authority released new health measures on Wednesday to prevent the spread of coronavirus during the travel rush, while also reminding passengers what personal protective items cannot be brought onto aircraft.
A self-service certificate check system has been set up at 80 percent of the security check channels at the T1 and T2 terminals at the Hongqiao airport. Passengers with second-generation identity cards can finish the check at the turnstiles without assistance from staff.
Those with passports and older-version ID cards must receive manual checks at other stations, but acrylic transparent protective panels have been installed at these checkpoints to prevent droplet transmission and cross-infection, the airport authority said.
To serve the increasing number of travelers, the Hongqiao security check team is communicating with airlines to predict the number of travelers and make preparations. The new cooperation with carriers at Hongqiao is expected to reduce waiting times at security check stations and prevent gathering of travelers, according to the airport.
Meanwhile, travelers are reminded to keep at least 1-meter intervals between each other while waiting to ensure safety.
Security checkers will also ask passengers who need to open their carry-on luggage to keep their distance from others. Those who finish screening will be quickly moved away from security check stations.
All airport staff have been equipped with masks, gloves, head coverings and goggles. They must receive temperature checks before serving travelers.
Security check channels are being disinfected frequently, while staff are required to disinfect their hands and security check tools every 10 minutes.
Travelers are reminded to keep at least 1 meter between each other while waiting for safety screening.
During the pandemic period, permitted and banned COVID-19 prevention items on passenger aircraft include:
Masks
Medical masks/N95 masks/face shields: No restrictions on both carry-on or checked-in luggage.
Electronic mask: These must comply with stipulations related to lithium batteries.
Alcohol disinfectant
With over 70-percent alcohol content: Banned from carry-on or check-in luggage.
Other disinfectants: Banned from carry-on luggage, but can be put in checked luggage only during the pandemic. Each bottle should be smaller than 500 milliliters and each passenger is allowed to bring only one for themselves.
Hazmat suits
Normal protective suits: No restrictions in carry-on or checked luggage.
Suits with oxygen supply devices: Banned in carry-on or check-in luggage
Thermometers
Mercury thermometers: Banned from carry-on luggage and must be put in checked luggage with protective box. Each passenger is allowed to pack one mercury thermometer in their checked luggage.
Electronic thermometers: Can be put in carry-on luggage but those with lithium batteries must be less than 100Wh or 2 grams.
Security check staff at the Hongqiao airport wear masks, goggles, head coverings and gloves.
Passengers who need to open their carry-on luggage for additional check are required to keep a safe distance from others.
Transparent protective panels have been installed at security checkpoints to prevent droplet transmission and cross-infection.
Reminders in both English and Chinese are placed at security check channels at the Hongqiao airport.
