China: Disruptions due to poor air quality ongoing in Beijing as of Oct. 30

Disruptions due to high levels of air pollution have been reported in Beijing and surrounding areas as of Oct. 30. City authorities issued an orange alert (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy air pollution as smog reduced visibility to less than 200 meters (656 feet) in parts of the capital region early Oct. 30. Aviation authorities reported 137 flights were canceled at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PXK) during the morning and several highways were closed. Conditions were expected to improve during the middle of the day; however, a change in wind direction is expected to bring further smog from late Oct. 30 and poor air quality levels are expected to continue in the Beijing area through at least Nov. 3. Schools have been ordered to reduce outdoor activities Oct. 30-Nov. 2 and traffic restrictions are in place for heavy-polluting vehicles.

In all areas under air quality advisories, vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people suffering from asthma or other lung diseases, and people with heart disease, are at particular risk of negative health consequences from the smoke.

The low air quality could cause further disruptions at airports in the affected region due to reduced visibility. While most business activities continue as normal, any further worsening of the air quality in the region could cause an increase in business disruptions.