CHINA. Wuhan Tianhe International Airport reopened and resumed domestic flights on 8 April, with 88 stores and restaurants from Lagardère Travel Retail now trading again after a 76-day lockdown of the city and region. Chinese authorities lifted the ban on travel after a fall in the number of COVID-19 cases in Wuhan and Hubei Province, the original heart of the outbreak.
Lagardère Travel Retail said it expects sales at Wuhan Airport to gradually pick up in line with the increasing numbers of passengers. The retailer has put in place strict hygiene and safety measures that include the use of protective equipment, personal hygiene protocols, temperature screening, regular disinfection of all facilities and social distancing measures.
The company said: “In recognition of their outstanding work and self-sacrifice under unprecedented circumstances, all medical workers flying out of Wuhan will enjoy free meals at 16 restaurants and cafés in the terminal as well as other shopping privileges for the entire month of April.”
Lagardère Travel Retail China CEO Eudes Fabre said: “Our ability to restart operations at Wuhan Airport is testament to the dramatic improvement in the sanitary conditions in Hubei province. I wish to thank our staff and business partners for their patience and stoicism throughout this crisis. This re-opening sends a strong message of hope and optimism to all in our industry who are affected by the current epidemic.
“Traffic volumes are still below what they were pre-crisis, but we’re already seeing an upward trend. After a long lockdown period, people are keen to travel again and there is pent-up consumer demand which will translate into retail sales.
“Although it will take time to return to normality, I am optimistic about the future of our business here in Wuhan and more broadly in China. I hope this good news can provide comfort and confidence to those in other countries that better days are ahead of us.”
Lagardère Travel Retail operates under a long-term master-concession contract across travel essentials, speciality retail, luxury and foodservice at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport.
