Mainland authorities have announced they will close Beijing’s two airports during a military parade next month to mark the anniversary of victory over Japan in World War II. The Civil Aviation Administration of China said flights will be banned or diverted for three hours from 9:30 am on 3 September to enable the victory parade to pass off smoothly and to ensure flight safety.

Beijing Capital International Airport will be affected, as will Nanyuan airport, a former military airfield.

The lavish military parade is to feature aerial displays and China’s latest weaponry.

China’s fast growing air travel market is the world’s second biggest, but the heavy air traffic and tight control of airspace by the military have given it the world’s worst record for flight delays.