East Asia: Transport disruptions likely through at least Jan. 28 due to Lunar New Year Celebrations

Event

Hundreds of millions of people will travel throughout East Asia and in parts of Southeast Asia during the Lunar New Year holiday season, prompting transport and business disruptions. In 2023, the Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 22, but observance varies by location; public observances will occur before and after the main holiday in some countries. Lunar New Year is the most important annual festival in predominately ethnic-Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Most people are expected to return to their hometowns for celebrations, causing a surge in demand for transport. Many businesses will close for holiday observances. Due to the amount of travel during Lunar New Year, disruptions often stretch from several days before to several days after the holiday. Lunar New Year is also widely observed in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, North and South Korea, and, to a lesser extent, Brunei, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Lunar New Year Observances (Local Name)

• Brunei (Chinese New Year): Jan. 22

• Mainland China (Spring Festival): Jan. 21-27

• Hong Kong (Lunar New Year): Jan. 22-25

• Indonesia (Imlek): Jan. 22

• Macau (Lunar New Year): Jan. 22-24

• Malaysia (Chinese New Year): Jan. 22-23

• North Korea (Seollal): Jan. 22

• Philippines (Araw ng Bagong Taon ng mga Tsino): Jan. 22

• Singapore (Chinese New Year): Jan. 22-23

• South Korea (Seollal): Jan. 21-24

• Thailand (Chinese New Year): Jan. 22

• Vietnam (Tet): Jan. 20-26

Private vehicle use spikes dramatically, typically resulting in significant congestion on national highways, as well as a sharp increase in accidents. The high volume of passengers also routinely affects rail, bus, and airline networks, leading to delays. Airlines and railways will probably add additional services to meet the high demand, though overbooking may be a problem. Poor weather and bouts of heavy air pollution, which are common in northern China and other parts of Northeast Asia during the winter months, could intensify disruptions.

Petty crime tends to increase before and during the Lunar New Year holiday. Regional police will likely increase patrols, deploy additional personnel, and coordinate with malls, banks, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues to boost security in major cities.

Advice

Reconfirm all rail, bus, and airline reservations if traveling during the holiday period. Airports will be very crowded; arrive much earlier than normal due to probable delays at check-in counters and security checkpoints. Heavy traffic is likely on main highways; drive defensively and consider minimizing unnecessary driving on the days before and after the public observance of the holiday. Expect increased prices and high demand for hotels; book accommodations in advance. Due to the elevated risk of petty crime, observe commonsense precautions to secure money and valuables. Confirm business appointments during the holiday period.