Macau International Airport Enhanced Operational Preparation and Customer Service Guarantees for the Increasing Passenger Traffic during Labour Day Holiday

The Labour Day holiday is approaching. It is expected that about 9 million passengers travelling by air during Labour Day holiday according to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). In terms of air passenger markets, domestic and foreign airlines are expected to operate 3,500 international flights during the Labour Day holiday, while it is estimated that domestic flights will reach 65,000 and the supply of capacity is expected to exceed the level of the same period in 2019.

Macau International Airport (MIA) is expected to handle 600 aircraft movements and 72,000 air passengers during the May Day Golden Week (29th April to 3rd May 2023), with an average daily handling of about 120 flights and 14,400 passengers, accounted for 20% increase compared to monthly statistic of April 2023. The aircraft movements recovered by 56% and the passenger traffic recovered by 53% compared to that of 2019 during the Golden Week holiday. In response to the expecting increase in flight movements and passenger volume during the May 1 holidays, MIA has made completed preparations on operation safety, security and passenger services in advance.

Macau International Airport always commits to ensure safety of passengers and services optimization. The Airport Operations Department (AOD) of Macau International Airport Company Limited (CAM) held a coordination meeting with airlines and various operating units on 25th April 2023 for preparation and enhancement of flight services during the Labour Day holidays period. Inspection and maintenance of passenger service-related systems will be strengthened such as on loading bridges and baggage handling systems, as well as increased the frequencies of inspecting services at the terminal to detect and reduce potential risks in a timely manner to ensure smooth airport services. Maintaining the monitoring of passenger flow with reference to the passenger data provided by the airlines, and allocate check-in counters, boarding gates and aircraft parking slots properly. All operating units and relevant airport entities are required to increase manpower allocation, to divert and guide passengers through effective queuing management measures. Taxi calling center is being notified for asking taxis to pick up arriving passengers at the airport during peak travel periods, so as to reduce the congestion of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) as much as possible. The South Extension of the PTB will be put into service in due course to increase the waiting space. A total of two Oversized Baggage Handling Areas have been newly added at the Northern and Southern sides of the PTB offering passengers large baggage handling services so as to meet the various travel needs of passengers. In addition, duty-free shops, convenience stores, worldwide food and beverage chains and local authentic restaurants in the airport will remain open during the holidays to provide passengers diversified retailing and catering services. At the same time, MIA is actively coordinating with SEMAC Security Company (SEMAC) on airport security during peak hours to open passenger security channels in a timely manner according to the passenger flow, enhance the inspection of airport security facilities and security screening equipment. In case of equipment failure or illegal interference incidents, relevant investigations and emergency maintenance will be properly carried out as with the established contingency mechanism, so as to ensure safe and smooth airport operations and improve operational efficiency.

According to the forecast of Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau, the weather during the Golden Week will be mainly cloudy, a few thundery showers with mist sometimes. MIA reminds passengers who plan to travel during the Labour Day holiday that flights may be delayed due to the adverse weather. Passengers can access the official website and mobile application of Macau International Airport for the latest flight information. In addition, passengers to the Mainland are also reminded to complete the China Customs Code Declaration before travelling, and some passengers with travel or residence history of Taiwan region and foreign countries are required to present the negative result of rapid antigen testing or nucleic acid testing reports for immigration procedures so as not to affect the trips.