A bird's-eye view of Nantong Xingdong International Airport. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong Xingdong International Airport recorded its busiest month in history in July, with passenger throughput reaching 447,780, a 10.49 percent year-on-year increase, Nantong Daily reported on Aug 4.

The figure marks the highest monthly total since the airport began operations in 1993. On July 31 alone, the airport handled 17,293 passengers, a new daily record.

The surge in traffic comes during the peak summer travel season. To meet rising demand, the airport has expanded its route network, adding or increasing frequencies to sought-after destinations including Beijing, Guiyang, Hohhot, and Seoul, South Korea.

In July, the airport's daily passenger volume exceeded 15,000 on 15 separate days, with the busiest days falling on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Volumes topped 16,000 on seven days throughout the month.

Among the most popular summer destinations were Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guiyang, Dalian, Chongqing, Xi'an, Kunming, and Beijing. The recently resumed route to Seoul has also attracted many travelers.

For the first seven months of the year, the airport recorded a total passenger throughput of over 2.53 million, reflecting a 5.02 percent increase compared to the same period last year.