Lunar New Year travel surge causes airports and railways to brace for record crowds

Airports and rail hubs across East Asia are preparing for a pronounced surge in passenger traffic as Lunar New Year travel begins Feb. 17, 2026 ET. Transport operators have added services and extended hours, but officials are warning travelers to expect crowded terminals, fuller trains and possible delays as millions return home for the holiday.

Carriers add capacity but warn of congestion

Major carriers operating regional and domestic routes said they have placed extra aircraft and crews on commonly used holiday corridors and opened additional booking windows to handle demand. Despite the added capacity, airline spokespeople cautioned that on-the-day disruptions such as weather, staffing bottlenecks or airspace congestion could ripple quickly across tightly scheduled networks, producing longer wait times at check-in and security lines.

Airports have extended operating hours at key terminals and increased the number of staffed service counters, while baggage handling areas have added temporary lanes to prevent bottlenecks. Passenger advisories encourage early arrival—often three hours for international and two hours for domestic flights—and recommend digital check-in and carry-on packing to reduce queuing.

Rail operators and stations prepare for peak travel waves

Rail networks implementing holiday timetables are running more frequent services on high-demand routes and adding late-night trains to spread the passenger load. Major stations have deployed additional staff on platforms and in concourses, expanded crowd control measures, and set up temporary waiting areas to handle overflow.

Ticketing windows and mobile apps are reporting high traffic, with many popular trains selling out days in advance. Authorities urged travelers to confirm seat reservations and to allow extra time for transfers, especially at interchange stations that often experience platform crowding during the peak outbound and return periods.

Practical tips and what to expect during the holiday period

Officials emphasized that even with added services, the scale of the holiday movement means disruptions remain likely. Travelers were advised to:

• Check departure and arrival times frequently, as schedules can shift at short notice.
• Arrive at terminals early and carry essential documents and tickets in an accessible place.
• Pack light and use online check-in where possible to avoid long counter lines.
• Consider staggered travel dates outside the peak outbound and return days to reduce the chance of delays or sold-out services.

Retail and hospitality businesses near major transport hubs are also gearing up for the influx, extending opening hours and staffing to meet surge demand. For travelers planning to move during the Lunar New Year period, patience and preparation remain the best tools to navigate the annual travel rush.