Immigration authorities reminded foreign travelers of possible changes of their flights transferring in Beijing, as inbound flights for the capital will be redirected to 12 designated airports to ease pressure from the increase in imported cases of novel coronavirus.

"All inbound flights, including those scheduled to land or transfer at Beijing Capital International Airport, will first land at one of 12 designated airports for entry procedures," said Liu Haitao, a senior official with the National Immigration Administration, at a news conference of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council on Monday.

He said travelers are allowed to take their flights to Beijing on the condition no problems are found in health screenings at designated airports.

"We suggest transfer passengers take into consideration the time needed for completing entry procedures and health checkups," he said.

"For those who are not allowed to take their connecting flights at Beijing Capital International Airport, the administration will send them out of the mainland."

He suggested travelers make prudent decisions over selecting Beijing Capital International Airport as a stopover for their trips, and be well-prepared in case of missing connecting flights.

All inbound flights to Beijing have been redirected to 12 designated airports in cities such as Tianjin and Hohhot of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region since Monday, according to a newly released notice by multiple departments, including the General Administration of Customs and the Civil Aviation Administration of China.