Roberta Aguirre
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a total of 765,903,278 cases and 6,927,378 deaths worldwide as of 15 May 2023. The novel coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, many countries have implemented safety measures at airports to prevent the spread of the virus. Beijing Capital International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, has taken intensive coronavirus measures, including screening passengers and admitting those with symptoms for special care. However, some travellers have expressed concerns about the safety of transiting through Beijing Airport during the pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 25, 2024 |
| Safety Measures | Screening passengers and immediately admitting those with symptoms for special care |
| Health Alert Cards (HAC) issued to passengers to indicate their health status | |
| Thermal screening for passengers arriving from China | |
| Thermal cameras installed at airports | |
| Cancelled Flights | United Airlines: US hubs to Beijing |
| American Airlines: Beijing and Shanghai | |
| Qantas: Australia to Beijing and Shanghai | |
| Malaysia Airlines: Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong | |
| Air Canada: Select flights | |
| British Airways: Direct flights to and from China | |
| Indigo Airlines: Majority of flights to China | |
| Air India: Majority of flights to China | |
| Delta Airlines: All US flights to China |
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What You'll Learn
Beijing Airport safety measures
Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the airport has implemented several safety measures to protect passengers and staff.
Firstly, Beijing Airport has introduced screening procedures for all arriving passengers. Thermal cameras, both hand-held and fixed, have been installed to detect elevated body temperatures, a common symptom of coronavirus infection. Passengers exhibiting any symptoms, even mild ones, are immediately admitted for special care. Additionally, airline operators are issuing Health Alert Cards (HAC) to all passengers, allowing them to indicate their health status and facilitate quick identification of potential cases.
To minimize the risk of surface transmission, Beijing Airport has also implemented enhanced disinfection protocols. For example, long sponge carpets soaked in disinfectant are placed on the floors in transit areas, ensuring that passengers passing through have their shoes sanitized. These measures are designed to prevent the spread of the virus and provide a safe environment for all individuals passing through the airport.
In terms of flight operations, Beijing Airport has witnessed several airlines suspending or reducing their flights to and from Chinese cities, including Beijing. These decisions are often made in response to official travel advisories and warnings issued by governments, such as the U.S. State Department's advisory against traveling to China. As a result, Beijing Airport may experience fluctuations in the number of flights and passengers, impacting its overall operations.
While the airport itself has implemented robust safety measures, the risk of infection during air travel remains. The enclosed space of an aircraft, with passengers in close proximity for extended periods, can facilitate the transmission of viruses. Thus, it is essential for travelers to adhere to preventive measures, such as wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, and monitoring their health, both before and after their journey through Beijing Airport.
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Airlines cancelling flights to Beijing
In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, several airlines decided to suspend flights to Beijing, China, to prevent the spread of the virus.
United Airlines
United Airlines was one of the first major airlines to announce the suspension of flights to Beijing. The airline confirmed that it would be halting flights to Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai from February 5 to March 28, 2020, following the US government's decision to raise its travel advisory and the decrease in demand for flights to China. The airline continued to operate one daily flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong, with additional health screenings for customers traveling to and from China.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines also temporarily suspended its flights to China, including Beijing, from February 6 through April 30, 2020, due to coronavirus concerns. The airline advised affected customers to visit the "My Trips" section of its website to rebook their flights, request refunds, or explore other options. Delta noted that the CDC would screen all passengers with China in their itinerary at quarantine stations across the US.
American Airlines
American Airlines joined the list of airlines suspending flights to Beijing, announcing that it would halt flights to mainland China through March 27, 2020. The airline committed to accommodating the needs of affected customers and evaluating its schedule beyond March 28 to make any necessary adjustments. American Airlines offered flexible rebooking options for customers with existing bookings to Beijing and Shanghai.
Air China
Air China, the primary Chinese carrier, also made adjustments to its operations. The airline cancelled flights to Athens, Greece, from February 17 to March 18, 2020, and adjusted flights between China and the United States. Air China resumed its flights to Frankfurt from Chengdu after a 21-day suspension. However, customers expressed concerns about the lack of responsiveness from the airline during the crisis.
Other Airlines
Several other airlines also cancelled or reduced flights to Beijing and other Chinese cities due to the coronavirus outbreak. These included Air Canada, Air France, Air India, Air Seoul, Austrian Airlines, EgyptAir, Finnair, Hainan Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and more. These cancellations and reductions aimed to curb the spread of the virus and address the decreasing demand for flights to China.
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Screening at Beijing Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport has been a key transit point for travellers. While there have been concerns about the safety of travelling through Beijing Airport during the pandemic, it is important to understand the screening measures in place.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, China began implementing intensive airport measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Beijing Airport, being a major international hub, was included in these measures. Screening stations were set up to identify passengers with potential symptoms of COVID-19. This included the use of thermal cameras, both hand-held and fixed, to detect elevated body temperatures, a common symptom of the virus.
Passengers arriving at Beijing Airport from affected regions were subject to screening procedures. Those exhibiting symptoms were immediately admitted for special care, ensuring isolation and further evaluation. Airline operators also played a role by issuing Health Alert Cards (HAC) to passengers, enabling them to indicate their health status and assist in the identification of potential cases.
The screening measures at Beijing Airport were part of a broader effort to control the spread of COVID-19. Airlines adjusted their operations, with some suspending flights to and from Beijing and other Chinese cities. These decisions were often made in anticipation of reduced demand and to address safety concerns. Additionally, countries implemented their own travel advisories and restrictions, impacting travel plans to and from China.
While the screening measures at Beijing Airport aimed to identify potential cases, the overall risk of exposure during air travel involves various factors. The aircraft itself, as well as other transit points, can contribute to the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Nonetheless, the screening protocols at Beijing Airport were designed to enhance the safety of travellers and staff, contributing to the broader global efforts to manage the pandemic.
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Beijing Airport's role in the spread of COVID-19
Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it played a significant role in the spread of the virus, both domestically and internationally.
In the initial stages of the outbreak, there were no restrictions on transits through Beijing. However, as the situation escalated, several countries issued travel advisories warning their citizens against non-essential travel to China. The US State Department, for example, advised Americans not to travel to China due to the Coronavirus, which led to the suspension of numerous flights between the US and China.
Airlines such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Qantas suspended or reduced their flight services to Beijing and other Chinese cities. Screening measures were implemented at airports worldwide, including in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Trinidad and Tobago, to detect and isolate passengers with symptoms.
Despite these efforts, Beijing Airport, due to its high volume of traffic, contributed to the spread of COVID-19. The highly contagious nature of the virus, combined with the mobility of travellers, facilitated its rapid transmission across borders. This highlights the crucial role of airports and their effectiveness in implementing preventive measures to control the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.
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Risk of contracting COVID-19 on flights to/from Beijing
As of 20 May 2022, passengers travelling to the People's Republic of China via connecting flights must take nucleic acid tests within 48 hours and within 12 hours of boarding the flight to the transit country. They must then take the tests again in the transit country according to the requirements of the Chinese Embassy. Passengers must apply to the local Chinese embassy/consulate in both the country of origin and the transit country for a green health code with the "HS" mark or a green health declaration code with the "HDC" mark, with certificates of negative test results.
As of June 2024, there are no COVID-19 requirements to enter China. However, as the situation is ever-evolving, it is recommended that you check for the latest information before travelling.
The risk of contracting COVID-19 on flights to Beijing is similar to that of any other location or time of year. In general, air travel can increase the risk of catching viruses due to the close proximity of passengers, shared air supply, and high frequency of surface touching. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines and airports have implemented enhanced cleaning and safety protocols to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
To minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 on flights to Beijing, it is advisable to follow recommended guidelines such as wearing a well-fitting mask, maintaining hand hygiene, and practising respiratory etiquette. Additionally, it is important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, as they provide significant protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
For flights from Beijing, the risk of contracting COVID-19 is dependent on the destination country's current infection rates and the safety measures in place. It is essential to be aware of and comply with the COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions of the country you are travelling to.
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Frequently asked questions
The U.S. State Department has issued a new advisory warning Americans not to travel to China because of the coronavirus. Major airlines such as Qantas, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada have announced the suspension of flights to Beijing. However, there are no restrictions on transits through Beijing Airport, and it is up to each individual airline to decide whether to cancel flights.
Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. China has started taking intensive coronavirus airport measures, including closing outbound traffic from Wuhan and screening passengers, with those displaying symptoms being admitted for special care.
If you have a flight booked to Beijing, check with your airline to see if they have cancelled any flights. If you are concerned about the coronavirus, you may be able to get a refund and book an alternative route that does not involve China.
