Tempers are flaring in Shanghai as angry travellers stranded by the city's heaviest snowfall in 24 years complain about delays and vent their anger on transport companies for their handling of the situation.
At Hongqiao airport, which handles almost all domestic traffic, thousands of people camped out in the main departure hall yesterday, some playing cards and others pressing airport employees for information.
Shouting matches broke out between frustrated passengers and airline staff. At least 70 departing flights were delayed. Only a handful of flights left in the afternoon.
'It's too chaotic, just like a vegetable market,' said Maggie Tan, who was queueing to try to check in for a flight to Shenzhen after a business trip.
More than 40 People's Armed Police were mobilised to keep order, joining 40 airport police and security guards, an airport official said.
One passenger complained about the lack of information. 'I can understand flights being delayed because of the snow, but I can't find any information about whether my flight has been delayed or cancelled,' said Gavia Shi, who was heading home to Jiangxi province for the Lunar New Year.
On Monday, Shanghai's two airports had more than 400 flights delayed or cancelled, leaving more than 5,000 passengers stranded, local media said.