China's airlines are expected to carry a total of 3.4 million passengers during the upcoming weeklong May Day holiday, up 12 percent year on year, the General Administration of Civil Aviation (CAAC) forecast on Thursday.

The priority is safe flights all over the country, said administration sources.

Maintenance of aircraft and other equipment has been reinforced. Overtime work is prohibited for flight crews and air traffic control departments are required to closely monitor weather changes and provide accurate forecasts. The administration also vowed to crack down on illegal activities to ensure the safety of passengers.

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