Published on
August 29, 2025
Tianjin Binhai International Airport, China has made a significant upgrade to its immigration inspection facilities, just in time for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. This newly expanded and advanced facility is designed to streamline the airport’s border procedures, making it more efficient and convenient for both delegates and travelers. The immigration facilities now span over 2,150 square meters, with more inspection channels and the addition of AI-powered technology. This includes automated e-gates and an intelligent patrol robot to guide travelers. These improvements aim to boost the airport’s clearance efficiency by nearly 30%. As the SCO Summit draws closer, these changes will help manage the growing passenger traffic, ensuring that international delegates and visitors have a smooth and quick experience. With the summit just around the corner, these upgrades reflect the airport’s commitment to keeping up with the demands of modern international travel.
Tianjin Binhai International Airport has unveiled a significantly upgraded immigration inspection facility, aiming to streamline border procedures ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. The new facility, which began operations on August 27, 2025, is designed to accommodate the influx of international delegates and dignitaries expected to attend the summit.
Facility Expansion and Technological Upgrades
The expanded inspection area now spans 2,150 square meters, more than doubling the size of the previous facility. The number of inspection channels has increased from 17 to 22, including four dedicated lanes for SCO Summit delegates and eight automated e-gates for faster processing. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and accommodate the growing number of international travelers.
A key feature of the upgraded facility is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. An intelligent patrol robot has been introduced to assist travelers with navigation, policy inquiries, and real-time support in multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Arabic. This AI-powered assistance aims to provide a seamless experience for international passengers and delegates.
According to Xing Shaojie, head of the border inspection department at the airport, the application of advanced technology has increased overall clearance efficiency by nearly 30 percent. This improvement is expected to significantly reduce wait times and enhance the passenger experience during the high-profile event.
Surge in Passenger Traffic
The expansion and technological upgrades come amid a notable surge in passenger traffic at Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Since the beginning of 2025, the airport has handled over 650,000 inbound and outbound passengers, marking a nearly 30 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth reflects the airport’s increasing role as a key international gateway in northern China.
Preparing for the SCO Summit
The 2025 SCO Summit, scheduled to take place in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, is expected to be the largest since the organization’s founding. Leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations are set to attend, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The summit will focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange among member states.
To ensure smooth customs clearance for dignitaries and international delegations, the newly built entry inspection area at Tianjin Binhai International Airport was completed and officially accepted on Monday night. The facility is set to begin operations on Wednesday, ahead of the summit.
Looking Ahead
With the successful implementation of these upgrades, Tianjin Binhai International Airport is poised to handle the increased demands of the upcoming SCO Summit and beyond. The integration of AI technology and the expansion of inspection facilities underscore the airport’s commitment to providing efficient and modern services to international travelers.
As the airport continues to grow in prominence, these enhancements position it as a leading hub for international aviation in northern China, capable of accommodating the evolving needs of global travelers and dignitaries.
Source: Xinhua News
