During the 2026 summer travel rush, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport achieved a significant breakthrough in both operational scale and service quality, recording 62,700 flight movements and 9.364 million passengers, with a peak of 1,067 daily departures and arrivals. This consistent handling of mega-scale passenger flows and high-intensity operations signals a new level of comprehensive capacity and refined operational management for the hub in Northwest China.
Supported by the continuous expansion of international routes, upgraded support facilities, and improved service systems, the airport's connectivity networks have become increasingly dense both domestically and internationally. Enhanced clearance efficiency at the port has fully activated Shaanxi's aviation-driven momentum for opening up, laying a solid foundation in both infrastructure and services to support the sustained growth of cross-border passenger traffic.
As the airport's hub capabilities continue to improve and international air corridors expand, the vitality of Xi'an's port for external engagement is steadily being unleashed. Recent data from the Shaanxi General Station of Immigration Inspection shows that during the summer of 2026, the Xi'an port processed 376,000 inbound and outbound passengers across more than 2,400 flights, with international passenger numbers and flight volumes maintaining steady high-level growth. Among these, foreign travelers totaled 83,000, a 13% increase year-on-year, while 29,000 entered under visa-free policies, up 18%, reflecting how policy incentives combined with upgraded airport connectivity continue to attract global visitors to explore the ancient capital.
These rising figures not only illustrate Xi'an's growing openness but also demonstrate a clear transition from scale expansion to quality enhancement, with the airport's international reach and global influence steadily climbing. The airport has intensified its focus on international aviation markets, optimizing route structures, increasing capacity deployment, and adding frequencies on key overseas routes, resulting in substantial gains in network coverage, connectivity, and travel convenience.
During the summer period, multiple airlines expanded their operations at Xi'an, adding frequency on popular routes to Seoul, Singapore, and Almaty, among others. These high-frequency, regular international services significantly reduce travel time for cross-border movement while effectively facilitating cultural tourism exchanges and business visits, providing strong capacity support for the continued growth of inbound travelers.
The combination of a dense, high-quality international route network and efficient airport functions has widened the gateway for the millennia-old city, with growing numbers of foreign visitors drawn to experience its historical charm and regional culture. In response to the summer's operational challenges, including large passenger volumes, frequent flight schedules, and a rising share of overnight operations—with nearly 40% of flights arriving between midnight and 6 a.m.—the border inspection authorities have adapted to the airport's upgraded operating environment.
Based on the new passenger flow patterns and flight dynamics, the general station has implemented coordinated measures to ensure safe, efficient, and orderly port operations. Recognizing the increased use of wide-body aircraft and higher per-flight passenger loads, inspection procedures have been optimized by moving up check-in commencement to 150 minutes before departure for select flights, effectively dispersing peak crowds, reducing wait times, and greatly enhancing processing efficiency during high-traffic periods.
Alongside improving the clearance experience for foreign travelers, the border inspection authorities have leveraged the airport's smart and modernized facilities to implement convenience measures such as one-stop temporary entry permits and online foreign national arrival card submission. With the online filing rate reaching 96%, passengers now experience faster processing with fewer procedural hurdles, aligning service delivery with the airport's high-quality development goals.
In the summer of 2026, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport saw notable gains in overall capacity, route quality, and hub carrying capability, substantially boosting its international accessibility and openness. The border inspection department continues to align its operations with the airport's flight schedules, passenger trends, and hub characteristics, precisely meeting the new support requirements that come with expanded facilities. Through ongoing optimization of clearance procedures and upgrades to traveler services, the authorities are committed to building a safe, efficient, convenient, and welcoming port environment that keeps the airport's openness momentum going strong.