China To Subsidize Small Airports To Boost Regional Air Travel

October 11, 2007 7:01 p.m. EST

Beijing, China (AHN) - To boost regional air travel, China's Civil Aviation Authority is offering subsidies to small and medium-sized airports. The subsidy will help airports that handle less than 5 million passengers and service flights shorter than 600 kilometers, officials said.

Around 80 percent of China's 142 airports qualify for the subsidy, but it excludes air routes between Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and selected popular tourist destinations.

The amount of subsidy is not yet specified. The CAAC expects to come out with guidelines on its implementation within the year. It hinted airports in central and western China will get higher financial support than airports in the eastern region, and smaller airports will receive higher subsidies.