China’s Wuhan, ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the globe, has re-opened for international flights, ending an eight-month moratorium since the deadly disease first emerged.
Wuhan Tianhe Airport saw 11,714 passenger trips on the first day of resumption, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
In all, 107 flights left Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei province, accounting for 7,119 passenger trips and 114 flights arrived in the city, accounting for 4,595 passenger trips.
China stopped international flights in March as global alarm increased about the spread of Covid-19, but has now largely brought the disease under control at home through travel restrictions, testing and lockdowns.
A flight operated by South Korean carrier T’way landed at Wuhan’s Tianhe International Airport Wednesday morning with 60 passengers, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Officials in white hazmat suits, masks and visors were seen checking the passports of arriving passengers.
All international passengers arriving in Wuhan have to pass a test within 72 hours of departure, Li Yizhuo, director of Wuhan’s Civil Aviation Office, told CCTV.
China still bans most foreigners from entering and those allowed have to undergo two weeks of quarantine.
South Korean budget carrier T’way will operate one weekly round-trip flight between Wuhan and Incheon International Airport, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Other major Chinese cities — including Beijing and Shanghai — already allow direct international flights, but have tightened visa processes and health checks.