Over 40,000 passengers are expected at the Baiyun International Airport on Monday, the first day of this year's 40-day spring holiday peak season, said an airport source in the capital of south China's Guangdong province on Sunday.

A key airport in south China, the Baiyun Airport had already served over 40,000 passengers on Sunday, with over 390 flights taking off and landing, said the source, who expected passenger flow to "continue to rise" in the coming days.

To meet passenger demands, mainly college students and migrant workers hurrying home before the traditional Chinese New Year, which falls on February 12 this year, Baiyun International Airporthas set up quality and timely services, said the source.

For the first time in its history, the airport will open all 15channels for security checks to minimize passengers' waiting time.

Passengers will be able to reclaim all registered luggage within 35 minutes of arrival, according to the airport authorities.

Meanwhile, six telephone lines will be open during the peak season to provide real time flight information.

Baiyuan Airport expects to serve 1.7 million passengers during the coming 40 days, a rise of approximately 2 percent compared to last year and 12 percent of the country's total.

China's Civil Aviation Administration served 7.141 million passengers during the spring peak season of 2001. The figure is expected to climb to 7.25 million this year.

( Xinhua News Agency January 27, 2002 )