INTERNATIONAL transfer passengers are now able to enjoy more efficient services at the Shenzhen International Airport, as a new transfer area for international flights through the airport was officially put into use Saturday, sznews.com reported.

Some 50 passengers taking flight CZ8372 from Moscow to Shenzhen became the first batch of travelers to experience the new transit services at the airport Saturday afternoon.

After the opening of the new international transfer area, international passengers making domestic transfers only need to take a one- to two-minute walk to the transit area on the second floor for customs inspection after completing the border formalities on the first floor of the terminal.

The new transfer procedures can save about 10 minutes of transit time for passengers to get to connecting flights by avoiding a detour to the international arrival area for customs checks, according to sznews.com.

Ding Tongbo, deputy chief of customs at the airport, said international passengers transferring in Shenzhen have an exclusive walking route separate from ordinary passengers. Their waiting environment has also been improved significantly, with the walking distance and waiting time being cut by more than 70 percent and half, respectively.

It was reported that the Shenzhen airport has been continuously enhancing its services and supporting facilities in recent years in a bid to accelerate the construction of an international aviation hub.

In May, the airport introduced a 144-hour transit visa-exemption policy for foreigners, providing more conveniences for expatriates traveling in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area via the airport. The airport also offers through check-in services for its 25 international routes, saving passengers from having to pick up luggage during transit.(Zhang Yu)