The general administration of civil aviation of China (CAAC) has announced the adoption of a series of measures intended to curb flight delays during the summer Olympic Games.

According to the regulator, Chinese airlines based in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other Olympic-related cities have been asked to arrange for backup aircraft in order to guarantee ontime performance.

It also said that carriers canceling flights during the period must transfer passengers to other airlines and cover their fares in full.

From July through September, all domestic airlines are also forbidden to oversell tickets.

CAAC also announced punitive measures, in case the carriers failed to perform adequately in ontime performance or baggage handling during the Olympic period. The expansion plans of such airlines will not be approved for a period of two years, it said.