China: Jiuzhai-Huanglong Airport to reopen April 18

Event

Jiuzhai-Huanglong Airport (JZH) will reopen on Wednesday, April 18, after being closed since August 2017 due to a 7-magnitude earthquake. The quake struck Jiuzhaigou (a.k.a. Jiuzhai Valley), a popular tourist destination in Sichuan province, forcing the suspension of tourism activities. Some areas of the valley reopened on March 8; it was subsequently decided to reopen the airport to meet growing demand.

Context

The airport first opened in September 2003 and, during normal times of operation, handled 17 direct flights on a daily basis. Over 1.4 million passengers typically travel via JZH annually. 

Advice

As a reminder, foreign nationals need a visa to enter mainland China (with the exception of Hong Kong and Macao). For passengers transiting through China, visa waivers are available in certain places. Do not overstay your visa or work illegally. Foreign nationals staying in China longer than six months will need a residence permit.