The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) forecast that 3.06 million people will travel by air during the upcoming National Day holiday, an increase of 13.5 percent from a year ago.

CAAC predicts the peak times for air travel will be on September 29 and 30.

Airlines have been urged to take preventative measures to deal with passengers stranded due to postponement of flights during the "Golden Week" holiday from October 1 to 7.

China now has three "Golden Week" holidays -- Spring Festival, International Labor Day, and National Day.

The holiday scheme, initiated by the Chinese government in 1999, is aimed at boosting domestic demand, stimulating consumption and restructuring the economy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2006)