9,000 stranded in SW China as fog closes airport

More than 9,000 passengers rushing home for the Spring Festival holiday were stranded at Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, as thick fog forced closure of the airport on Wednesday morning.

The airport was forced to close about 2:30 am on Wednesday, as thick fog reduced the visibility at runways to less than 30 meters, according to a statement released by the airport.

The fog would not disperse until 11 am, according to local meteorological authorities.

The airport closure will force delays of 720 flights, including arrivals and departures, China News Service reported.

The airport said it will provide water and breakfast to stranded passengers.

We Recommend:
Amazing China in 1950s you’ve never seen	People on way home during festival travel rush	A visit to the village of lepers in Yunnan
Beijing fantasy emerges in dense fog	The art of food, the art of life	How much should we pay for family reunion?
China's weekly story (2013.01.21-01.27)	Time to stop appalling food waste	Uncover the myth of 'devil training'