Passengers waiting for the departure of flight CA4108

Many passengers were delayed at the Beijing Capital Airport’s Terminal 3.

Many customers simply slept in the foyer of Chengdu’s Xinzu Hotel to allow for a quick escape in case of problems.

At 18:00 on May 12 at Beijing Capital Airport, the sunset casts a beautiful light on flight CA4108, packed with 400 passengers flying to Chengdu, the area struck by earthquake and aftershocks. Night falls over the next 4 hours while the plane is still delayed, with the passengers sent back to wait in the terminal hall.

"I am sorry to inform you that the flight is delayed due to rainfall in Chengdu, and no civil flight is being admitted to Chengdu’s Shuangliu Airport,” the attendants patiently explain to passengers. Most travelers are from Sichuan Province. They are worried about their home town: “Will we get there tonight? When will we be home?”

Near midnight, some passengers refund their tickets. Others wait patiently for the departure. They show understanding about the delay. “Even the rescue airplanes cannot take off. We need to be patient”, said Mr. Tang, an employee of a Glass Products company. In response to news updates of the earthquake, passengers are more concerned about victims in the quake-hit area than themselves.

Mr. Tang, like many other passengers, has started calling relatives and friends in Wenchuan to reassure himself of their safety. “Love will ultimately triumph over this ruthless disaster.” Although his phone calls are not able to get through, news of government-backed support and rescue efforts provide some comfort.

Professor Wang Yi from Chengdu-based University of Electronic Science and Technology of China was relieved when informed that his family was safe and well from the disaster. “I’ve heard that many volunteers are there to help. Things are really moving. I hope everyone will be able to do something for the victims. Even caring for your own family will be a great support.”

At 1:20 AM on May 14, CA4108 finally took off without a full complement of passengers. Those who did travel made themselves at home as they dined on the plane. After 2 hours, the flight arrived safely at Chengdu.

In the hotel, many customers simply slept in the foyer to allow for a quick escape in case of problems. The rising morning sun reminded the reporter of the name of a film played during the flight: The Sun Also Rises.

(China.org.cn translated by Dong Chen, May 14, 2008)