Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is one of China’s most ambitious infrastructure projects and a powerful symbol of its commitment to expanding global connectivity. Officially opened in June 2021, TFU is the second international airport serving Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and represents a strategic move to position the city as a major aviation hub in western China.
TFU History
The idea for a new airport in Chengdu was first proposed in 2007, sparked by the increasing congestion at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. By 2011, the search for a suitable location began in earnest, and in 2013, Jianyang’s Lujia Town was selected as the ideal site. The project received final approval in 2015, and construction officially kicked off in May 2016 with an initial investment of $10.8 billion.
After five years of intense development, the airport opened to commercial traffic on June 27, 2021. Its debut flight, operated by Sichuan Airlines to Beijing, marked the beginning of a new era for Chengdu’s aviation ambitions. With its inauguration, Chengdu became just the third city in China—after Beijing and Shanghai—to boast two international airports.
Scale, Status, and Strategic Role
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is located about 51 kilometers southeast of downtown Chengdu. Designed to serve as a global gateway, TFU was classified as a 4F airport, capable of accommodating the world’s largest passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The first phase of the airport includes three runways and two terminals that together cover more than 710,000 square meters.
TFU was built with an eye toward future growth. Its initial passenger capacity stands at 60 million annually, but long-term expansion plans call for six runways and four terminals, eventually increasing capacity to 90 million passengers per year. This design ensures that TFU can evolve in step with the region’s growing demand for air travel.
In 2023 alone, the airport handled nearly 45 million passengers, making it the fifth busiest in China and ranking 39th globally. When combined with Shuangliu International Airport, Chengdu’s two-airport system served nearly 75 million passengers that year, elevating the city to third place among Chinese metropolitan areas in terms of total air traffic.
A Terminal Inspired by Culture
TFU’s architectural design is one of its most striking features. The airport’s two terminals are shaped to resemble the mythical Sunbird, an emblem of Chengdu’s cultural heritage. The terminal layout includes five above-ground levels and two underground floors, all radiating from a central circular core with six arms, creating a graceful, winged appearance when viewed from above.
Large glass windows fill the terminals with natural light, while interior design elements such as feather-shaped ceilings add to the airport’s avian theme. Terminal 1 is designated for international travel, while Terminal 2 handles domestic flights. Together, they provide a seamless and elegant environment for travelers.
The terminals are packed with amenities, including extensive shopping and dining options. Travelers can enjoy local Sichuan cuisine or international fare, browse a range of retail stores, and relax in premium lounges. Notably, Air China operates a spacious 2,950-square-meter lounge at the airport. Free Wi-Fi, nursing rooms, currency exchange counters, left-luggage services, and accessibility accommodations ensure convenience and comfort for all passengers.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport stands at the forefront of technological innovation. It was the first airport in China to be equipped with full 5G coverage, enabling blazing-fast connectivity for passengers and staff alike. The network, developed by Huawei and China Mobile Chengdu, supports download speeds of up to 1.25 Gbps.
The airport’s infrastructure also includes a state-of-the-art intelligent building control system developed by ABB. With more than 19,000 smart circuits, 4,000 sensors, and 600 dimmers, the system manages lighting, energy usage, and security, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Security and passenger processing are bolstered by advanced radar systems and extensive automation, reducing wait times and improving the travel experience. These innovations underscore TFU’s commitment to blending user comfort with operational excellence.
Airlines and Air Routes
TFU serves as a base for some of China’s leading carriers, including Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines. Air China in particular has made significant investments in the airport, including the construction of maintenance hangars, a 1,500-bed employee hostel, and extensive ground operations.
Initially, international services at TFU were limited due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, in March 2023, the airport took over most international and cargo routes from Shuangliu International Airport, which now primarily handles domestic flights. Today, TFU offers connections to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as international destinations including Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore. Additional long-haul routes to Europe and the Middle East are in development.
A notable feature of the airport is its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy. Citizens of 54 countries can enter China through TFU without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country. This policy is designed to boost tourism and reinforce Chengdu’s position as a global transit hub.
TFU Transportation
Tianfu Airport is seamlessly connected to Chengdu and the surrounding region through a network of metro lines, buses, high-speed rail, and highways. Metro Line 18 links the airport to Chengdu South Railway Station, with both normal and express trains offering travel times between 30 and 40 minutes. Line 19, which began operation in late 2023, provides a direct 30-minute connection to Shuangliu International Airport, enabling smooth inter-airport transfers.
Five dedicated airport bus routes serve major areas of Chengdu, including Chunxi Road, Chengdu East Railway Station, and the Global Center. These services operate 24/7, while additional long-distance buses connect TFU with nearby cities such as Zigong, Jianyang, and Deyang.
Tianfu Airport also features a high-speed rail station as part of the Chengdu–Yibin railway line. This station, operational since December 2023, links the airport to Chengdu East and various cities in southern Sichuan.
Road access is equally convenient, with an expressway connecting TFU to Chengdu’s Third Ring Road. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available at the airport’s transportation hub.
Internally, the airport features an automated people mover (APM) system developed by Puzhen Bombardier, which links the two terminals. Plans are also in place for a personal rapid transit (PRT) system, using 22 driverless pods over a 9.7-kilometer network to connect parking areas to the terminals, although this system has yet to be commissioned.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Innovation
TFU’s development is far from complete. The full build-out includes three additional runways and two more terminal buildings, with the ultimate goal of handling 90 million passengers and 1.3 million tons of cargo annually. This phased expansion ensures that the airport can meet long-term regional and international travel demand.
Beyond the airport itself, a new urban development called Tianfu Airport City is under construction. Covering more than 66,000 hectares, the project is designed to support two million residents and foster economic growth. The city will integrate higher education, research, advanced manufacturing, and logistics industries while also incorporating flood control, renewable energy, and green infrastructure.
Tianfu Airport is also expected to play a vital role in China’s Silk Road Economic Belt, strengthening air links between China and Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. As international travel rebounds and demand rises, TFU is set to become one of the most influential airports not only in China but across the Asia-Pacific region.
A Symbol of Modern Chengdu
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport exemplifies the future of aviation in China. Its advanced infrastructure, forward-looking design, and strategic connectivity make it a key asset in China’s transportation network. As the airport continues to grow and evolve, it reflects the broader ambitions of Chengdu — a city on the rise, ready to meet the demands of a connected world.
Keyword: TopAirports