China: Heavy snowfall, major flight disruptions Jan. 4

Event

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE) and Fuyang Xiguan Airport (FUG) in eastern Anhui province, as well as Jining Qufu Airport (JNG) in coastal Shandong province, are closed, as of Thursday, January 4, due to heavy snowfall. Nine others, including Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), are experiencing major flight disruptions.

China’s National Meteorological Center has urged local authorities to take preventive measures regarding roads and railways to avoid accidents. Some highways have been closed in central Henan province and northwestern Ningxia Autonomous Region. Many high-speed trains were delayed in Shaanxi province.

Snow and rain is forecast for China’s central and eastern regions over the coming week. Particularly heavy snowfall is expected in Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces. Beijing is expected to be relatively spared.

Advice

Individuals are advised to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport and to stay abreast of the weather situation via local media.