Zhengzhou airport sees 98% y-o-y increase in foreign travelers during Spring Festival travel rush

Henan Daily

Zhangzhou: On February 22, the final day of the 2025 Spring Festival travel rush, Air Cambodia flight K6894 landed at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (hereinafter shortened as Zhengzhou airport), bringing more than 60 Cambodian performers to the city for the closing ceremony of the 2024 “China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year”. Liu Longlong, deputy director of the Border Inspection Division of Zhengzhou Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station, told Henan Daily that recently, they have been processing 2 to 6 foreign tourist groups per day, with over 100 such groups arriving since January.

According to official data, during the 2025 Spring Festival travel rush (from January 14 to February 22), over 119,000 passengers traveled through Zhengzhou airport, markinga 22% year-on-year increase. The number of foreign travelers exceeded 9,600, a year-on-year growth of 98%. Notably, over 2,700 foreign passengers entered China under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, representing a remarkable year-on-year rise of 287%. The data highlights the rapid shift of the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone, from being an “inland hinterland” to an “open frontier”.

Zhang Yi, head of the Zhengzhou Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station, attributes the record-breaking number of people passing through Zhengzhou airport during the Spring Festival travel rush to two main factors. First, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has streamlined visa procedures, making it easier for tourists to enter Henan and greatly improving their experience. Second, the growing global recognition of Henan’s rich history, profound culture, and modern achievements has enhanced its appeal