Wuhan and Nanjing airports are among a total of 14 major airports in China that handled more than 10m passengers in 2009, according to the China Aviation Newspaper. Last year alone, investment in the airport sector reached Rmb60bn and the number of airports with operational licences rose by another six to a total of 166 by the year end. By the end of this year, the number of airports in China will rise to 175.

China’s airlines are expected to carry 28.94m passengers during the Spring Festival holiday period, which runs from 14 to 21 February, according to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China. This will be 12.5 per cent more than the equivalent holiday period in 2009.

The administration has urged airline operators to closely monitor weather conditions and improve contingency plans in case of flights delays.