Both sides finalize schedule and restrictions for Lunar New Year charter flights; Shanghai routes see 57% increase

▲Both sides have agreed that the Lunar New Year charter flight period will be from February 5 to March 5. (Photo / China Airlines aircraft, provided by China Airlines)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive report

The Civil Aeronautics Administration announced that personnel from aviation authorities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait recently held a communication meeting to discuss specific arrangements for 2015 Lunar New Year charter flights. Both parties agreed that the 2015 Lunar New Year charter flight period will run from February 5 to March 5. Taking into account the needs of passengers and airlines on both sides, there will be no limit on the total number of additional flights, and the first batch of Lunar New Year charter flights will be approved by January 5.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration also stated that during the Lunar New Year charter flight period, there will be upper limits only at some of the busier airports in mainland China: 165 flights at Shanghai Pudong, 39 at Beijing, 19 at Guangzhou, 24 at Shenzhen, and 57 at Hangzhou. This year, the upper limit for Shanghai Pudong has increased significantly by about 57% compared to the 105 flights allowed during the 2014 Lunar New Year period.

Additionally, both sides agreed to approve the first batch of Lunar New Year charter flights by January 5, 2015, to facilitate passenger bookings and travel planning. Flight schedules must be applied for in accordance with each region's time slot management regulations. Songshan Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport will not be open for cross-strait charter flights during the Lunar New Year period. Airlines originally operating cross-strait routes to and from Songshan Airport may arrange charter flights departing from and arriving at Taoyuan Airport instead.