Beijing airports to close for anniversary parade commemorating end of second world war

Beijing will close its two airports for three hours next month while it holds a huge parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war, state media have reported.

Restrictions on airspace above the capital also came into effect yesterday while the air force practises its formations ahead of the mainland's biggest military display in its modern history.

No commercial traffic will be allowed at Beijing Capital International Airport or the smaller Nanyuan Airport between 9.30am and 12.30pm on September 3, Xinhua reported.

Many airlines had already cancelled flights scheduled during that window, but passengers were warned to expect hectic travel throughout the day, as many charter flights would also be using the airports, Xinhua reported. It wasn't immediately clear how many flights will be affected, but the Capital Airport handles more than 1,500 flights a day while Nanyuan handles more than 100.

The military parade will begin in the morning and run through Tiananmen Square, but few details about its scope have been given. Displays of advanced military hardware from all the main PLA branches are expected.

The air force held a rehearsal drill involving 189 planes and helicopters in Tongzhou district last month, and further exercises are likely ahead of the parade.