Beijing's major airports are expanding international routes and enhancing services for overseas travelers in anticipation of increased travel demand during the upcoming May Day holiday, starting Friday.

Beijing Daxing International Airport is expected to handle 5,249 flights and 857,600 passenger trips from Friday to May 5, with daily averages of 1,050 flights and 171,500 passengers, marking increases of 8.67 percent and 12.16 percent year-on-year, respectively. The peak is anticipated on Friday, with over 1,100 flights and more than 180,000 passenger trips.

This year, Daxing Airport has expanded its international and regional network, promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. "Since the beginning of this year, Daxing airport has operated flights to 45 international and regional destinations in 29 countries, including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, London, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Casablanca, and Istanbul," said Li Ruyi, an official with the airport's operations management department.

The airport recently launched a route to Frankfurt, Germany, and plans to add new services to Milan, Lisbon, and Bali. Capital Airlines is set to launch a direct route between Beijing Daxing and Lisbon on June 22, establishing the first nonstop intercontinental service from the airport to the Portuguese capital.

"The new route will build a new air Silk Road linking the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region directly with Europe," said Wang Jing, deputy general manager of Capital Airlines' ground service department.

International passengers on inaugural flights from Daxing can enjoy subsidies under an air-rail intermodal transport policy, enhancing long-distance travel convenience. At Daxing airport, travelers are seen visiting photo spots and shops selling Chinese specialties, such as Tong Ren Tang, a renowned traditional Chinese medicine brand.

Meanwhile, Beijing Capital International Airport has also reported steady growth in international and regional passenger traffic, driven by policies facilitating cross-border travel and holiday demand.

The airport has collaborated with inspection agencies to promote online arrival card applications for foreign travelers, with about 90 percent of foreign passengers completing the forms online, improving customs clearance efficiency by 30 percent.

To better serve inbound and transit passengers, Capital Airport has established cultural and tourism service zones in Terminal 3, offering Beijing-area tour options for travelers with varying schedules and interests.