More than 150 flights at the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) were delayed or cancelled because of a heavy rainstorm on July 4. But the rainy weather has been clearing up ... and service is gradually returning to normal.

The airport was mostly back on track by early morning on July 5, after the chaos the previous night. Heavy rain flooded the airport expressway and caused traffic jam. Over 95% of the flights were delayed or cancelled.

Huang Weihua, vice manager of TAMCC, Beijing Capital Int'l Airport (BCIA), said, "We took emergency measures immediately after the rain caused problems. To smooth the traffic on the expressway, we dispatched over 50 vehicles and also about 400 people to pump the water inundating the road. Many travellers were trapped in the terminal since their flights were delayed or cancelled ... so we carried out some measures to make them more comfortable."

On July 4, flights were cleared later at night but since so many were delayed, airlines had to make some cancellations. Passengers could choose to have their flights changed, and they were offered a room and food.

A passenger said, "Well, we feel ok with the delay or cancellation. The weather was bad and caused the problem, and the airlines cancelled the flights for safety concerns."

Rain is intensive in July and August in Beijing, so passengers are advised to call the airlines to confirm if the flights are on schedule before they set off for the airport.