Host city airport launches fast-track for inbound travelers ahead of Asian Winter Games

Harbin Taiping International Airport, the designated entry and exit hub for the upcoming 9th Asian Winter Games in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, has introduced fast-track lanes to handle the surge of travelers and streamline border crossings ahead of the grand event.

This year's Asian Winter Games are set to be held from Feb. 7 to 14, 2025 in Heilongjiang's provincial capital of Harbin, coinciding with the Spring Festival travel rush extending from Jan. 14 to Feb. 22.

As the green lights on self-service gates lit up in the airport's departure and arrival halls, the province's first-ever fast lanes for expedited border inspection became operational at the airport on Friday. These lanes not only shorten crossing times for eligible passengers but also alleviate congestion at traditional staffed checkpoints, increasing overall efficiency.

"As soon as I got off the plane, everything felt incredibly fast, like taking the subway just a quick swipe and I was through! The staff and service personnel were extremely friendly and welcoming," said Piao Jiying, an inbound passenger.

"The airport has installed eight fast-track lanes for inbound travelers and six for outbound travelers. We've trained all our officers on operating the fast-track lanes to ensure smooth and efficient border crossings for all passengers," said Geng Fuquan, a customs officer at Harbin entry-exit border inspection station.

The new system is expected to play a key role in managing the high volume of passengers anticipated during the Asian Winter Games and the Spring Festival holiday.