Update | Mix-ups, missed flights after Shenzhen airport opens new terminal
Authorities say it's "so far, so good" and many impressed by the sleek design, but several passengers complain of mixed-up flight times and having to dash to faraway gates
What began as a smooth launch for Shenzhen Airport’s newly opened terminal began to hit some rough patches, as several passengers complained of missed flights and mix-ups on gate numbers.
The 8.5 billion yuan (HK$10.7 billion) terminal opened at 6am. The first take-off was made by home carrier Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH9853, bound for Hohhot in Inner Mongolia via Wuhan. It carried 165 passengers, who left at 7.53am.
Around noon, the airport authorities said all progress through the arrival gates, transit lounge, check-in counters, baggage carousel and customs was smooth, with no inordinate delays anywhere.
Hundreds of volunteers and ground crew offered assistance, and there were more than enough baggage carts. Dozens of golf carts circulated the lounge to give free rides for passengers in need.
Though the authorities said it had been a smooth and quick transfer from the old terminals of Baoan International Airport, many passengers reported some “glaring inadequacies” and hassles, along with complaints about the quality of service and the staff’s unfamiliarity with facets of the system.
At least seven passengers missed their flight to Hangzhou as airline employees informed them that their 9.15am departure would be delayed to 10.40am. However, the flight left at 9.50am while other passengers were shopping or having breakfast.