Shanghai airports to ensure normal flights during World Expo

BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Air traffic control authorities in Shanghai will not take measures interrupting flights during the World Expo, the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) of the Civil Aviation Administration of China said Wednesday.

Air traffic management agencies would closely work with airline companies and airports to minimize possible impacts on flights brought about by the event, and ensure normal air travels, said Zhang Ruiqing, an ATMB official in charge of traffic control.

Zhang said "extreme" control measures affecting normal flights would not be taken.

It is estimated the Shanghai World Expo would attract 70 million visitors to the city. About 15 million visitors would come by air.

The World Expo 2010 in Shanghai starts from May 1, and lasts until Oct. 31.