More than 20,000 passengers were stranded at the Chengdu Shangliu International Airport as flights were grounded due to heavy smog. It is said that this is the worst air quality the area experienced for years.
As the airport's runway was closed for about 10 hours, more than 80 flights were canceled over the weekend. Other flights were either delayed or diverted to other airports.
According to the airport’s statement, "This weather conditions had disrupted most of their flights and the highest number of passengers in years.”
China has long been battling against the effects of air pollution. Although their rapid urbanization and industrialization placed them as the second world’s largest economy, it backfired as it also meant a lot of polluting factories and businesses.
The air quality of Chengdu is said to be measured at level 280. According to the World Air Quality Index, this is a “very unhealthy” category of air quality.
Beijing raised their red alert twice last year due to air pollution reaching hazardous levels. This happens when the government believes that the air quality will exceed 200 and may last for 72 hours. Schools are closed and the number of cars on the road is restricted.
It is reported that the pollution levels in China’s industrial cities soared to air quality level 875, which is considered as “extremely hazardous.”
China's tourism industry is one of the sectors that is greatly affected by the pollution problem. According to the China Tourism Academy, the number of overseas tourists going to China decreased for three consecutive years through 2014.
A survey done by Bain & Company and the American Chamber of Commerce in China indicated that majority of American companies that are operating in China are having trouble filling up executive positions from abroad due to the concerns of air pollution.