Inbound passengers wait in line to get through the smart gates. [Photo/WeChat account: hzhgfb]

Hangzhou International Airport handled nearly 70,000 inbound and outbound passengers during the five-day May Day holiday from May 1 to 5, with daily traffic peaking at over 16,000 travelers, as China's extended spring break and holiday travel boom fueled strong demand for overseas trips.

To manage the influx, the airport upgraded its smart customs and inspection systems, enabling faster and more seamless clearance procedures.

At the arrival hall, integrated smart gates now combine eight functions — including infrared temperature screening, X-ray baggage inspection and risk detection — into a single checkpoint. Travelers can complete health inspections and carry-on baggage pre-screening in around 10 seconds.

For departing passengers, customs and aviation security authorities further optimized the single inspection model, allowing carry-on luggage to undergo only one security scan while both customs and airport security complete inspections simultaneously in the background.

The airport has also expanded its non-intrusive baggage screening system for checked luggage, allowing most arriving passengers to leave directly after collecting their bags without additional inspections.

According to Hangzhou customs officials, real-time crowd-density monitoring systems were deployed throughout the terminal, enabling rapid coordination between on-site staff and the airport command center during peak periods.

A customs officer helps an international traveler with departure tax refund issues. [Photo/WeChat account: hzhgfb]