Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), one of China’s oldest airports, has a rich history dating back to 1938. Originally named Shuangguisi Airport, it began as a modest facility with an earth surface runway that could only accommodate small biplanes. During this early period, the airport played a significant role in China’s military defense, serving as a base for the Republic of China Air Force.
During World War II, following the Pearl Harbor attack, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces Fourteenth Air Force as part of the China Defensive Campaign (1942-1945). American forces referred to it as “Shwangliu Airfield,” utilizing it as a fighter base for the 33rd Fighter Group.
On December 12, 1956, the facility was formally listed as a civil aviation airport and renamed Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. The following year, all flights of Chengdu civil aviation were shifted from Guanghan Airport to Shuangliu Airport, establishing direct routes to various cities within China, including Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Kunming.
Between 1994 and 2001, a large-scale expansion transformed the airport. The runway was extended to 3,600 meters with a Class 4E rating, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft including the Boeing 747-400. The newly built terminal featured a three-parallel-porch design with an hourly capacity of 3,500 passengers during peak times.
CTU Statistics and Quick Facts
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport stands as one of China’s busiest and most significant aviation hubs:
- Located 16-18 kilometers southwest of downtown Chengdu
- Covers an area of approximately 5 square kilometers
- Features two parallel runways, each 3,600 meters long
- By 2019, handled 55.85 million passenger trips, making it the fourth-busiest airport in mainland China
- Recorded 366,887 aircraft movements and processed 671,000 metric tons of cargo in 2019
- Serves as a core hub for Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Chengdu Airlines
- Offers flights to more than 52 international destinations and over 145 domestic airports
- Currently handles about 600 scheduled domestic flights daily
While Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, which opened in June 2021, has taken over many international and cargo routes, Shuangliu Airport remains crucial for domestic air travel. Terminal 1 opened in 2004 and Terminal 2 in 2012, with the Satellite Hall of Terminal 2 beginning operations in January 2020.
Terminal Facilities
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport features two main terminals, though currently Terminal 1 is temporarily closed for upgrading, with Terminal 2 handling all flight operations.
Terminal 1
When operational, Terminal 1 covers approximately 138,000 square meters with international and domestic sections, multiple boarding gates, and various dining and shopping options.
Terminal 2
Currently handling all flights, Terminal 2 covers approximately 350,000 square meters with:
- 3rd floor housing the departure hall
- 1st floor containing the arrival hall
- Over 70 boarding bridges
- 60 security channels
- Around 200 check-in counters
Passenger Amenities
The airport offers various facilities to enhance the passenger experience:
Lounges:
- Domestic First & Business Class Lounge with rest areas, internet corners, dining areas, shower facilities, and VIP rooms
- “Take a Nap” hourly lounge for travelers seeking rest
Dining and Shopping:
- Various food options including Chinese cuisine, Western restaurants, fast-food establishments (KFC, McDonald’s), and coffee shops
- Duty-free shops selling alcohol, perfumes, electronics, and souvenirs
Other Services:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals
- Medical services and pharmacies
- 240-hour visa-free transit for citizens from 54 countries
- Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
Major Airlines and Destinations
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport serves as a critical hub for several major Chinese airlines and offers an extensive network of domestic and international routes.
Hub Airlines
The airport is a primary hub for:
- Air China
- Sichuan Airlines
- Chengdu Airlines
Major Operating Airlines
Terminal 2 currently hosts numerous Chinese carriers, including:
- Air China (CA) and its subsidiaries
- China Southern Airlines (CZ)
- China Eastern Airlines (MU)
- Hainan Airlines (HU)
- Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)
- Xiamen Air (MF)
- Tibet Airlines (TV)
- Spring Airlines (9C)
- Lucky Air (8L)
- Juneyao Air (HO)
Destinations
Before the opening of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, CTU served a comprehensive network of destinations:
Domestic Routes: The airport connects Chengdu with all major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Kunming, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Nanjing.
International Routes: While many international routes have shifted to Tianfu Airport, CTU previously served destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
With the opening of Tianfu International Airport in June 2021, there has been a strategic redistribution of flight operations, with Tianfu taking on a greater share of international and cargo flights, while Shuangliu focuses more on domestic operations.
Ground Transportation
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport offers excellent transportation links to the city and surrounding areas.
Metro
The Chengdu Metro Line 10 connects both terminals of the airport to the city:
- Stations serving Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly
- Single trip fare of CNY 4
- Service hours: 6:14 AM to 11:25 PM from the airport
- For visitors interested in the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, passengers can take Line 10 to Taipingyuan Station, transfer to Line 3, and then take a shuttle bus
High-Speed Rail
The airport features its own railway station:
- CRH trains connect the airport with Chengdu South Railway Station and Chengdu East Railway Station
- Single tickets cost approximately ¥11
- Journey time of about 10 minutes to South Railway Station
- Additional connections to cities like Mianyang, Deyang, and Leshan
Airport Shuttle Buses
Several shuttle bus routes link the airport with key locations:
- Routes to downtown, Chengdu Railway Station, and Chengdu East Railway Station
- Fares ranging from ¥10 to ¥15
- Special line connecting Shuangliu Airport with Tianfu Airport, operating 24 hours
Taxis
- Taxi stands located outside the Arrival Halls
- Fare to downtown Chengdu approximately RMB 60
- Journey time around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions
City and Long-distance Buses
- Multiple city bus routes (300, 303, 304, 307, 318, 907)
- Long-haul bus station between T1 and T2 with routes to cities including Mianyang, Nanchong, and Leshan
The Future of CTU
The future of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is shaped by the dual-airport strategy following the opening of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in June 2021.
Shifting Role and Focus
With Tianfu Airport now handling a significant portion of international and cargo flights, Shuangliu Airport is being repositioned to focus more on domestic operations. This specialization allows each airport to excel in its designated role while collectively enhancing Chengdu’s aviation capacity.
Terminal Upgrades
Terminal 1 is currently closed for comprehensive upgrading, indicating ongoing investment in improving the airport’s facilities. This renovation will enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency once completed.
Air Cargo Development
SF Express, one of China’s largest logistics companies, has announced plans to develop a cargo hub at Shuangliu Airport. This development follows a joint venture agreement between SF Holdings, the Chengdu Municipal Government, and Sichuan Airport Group.
Integration with Tianfu Airport
The two airports are being developed as complementary facilities within a coordinated system, with dedicated transportation links between them. A special shuttle bus service operating 24 hours a day connects the two airports, facilitating seamless transfers.
Regional Economic Impact
As Chengdu continues to grow as a global destination and economic center, both airports will play increasingly important roles. The city plans to further invest in developing both airports to accommodate increasing air traffic demand and enhance regional connectivity.
With these developments, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport will remain an integral part of China’s aviation landscape, even as its role evolves within the context of the city’s expanding dual-airport system.
Keyword: TopAirports