Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) serves as one of Shanghai’s two major aviation gateways, focusing primarily on domestic and regional flights. Located in the western part of the city, Hongqiao has evolved from Shanghai’s original international airport into a critical component of China’s aviation network and an exemplary integrated transportation hub.
SHA History
The history of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport dates back to the early 1960s when Shanghai needed a modern aviation facility to replace the aging Longhua and Jiangwan airports. Construction began in 1960, and Hongqiao officially opened for operations in 1964 with a single terminal and one runway, becoming Shanghai’s primary international gateway.
During its early years, Hongqiao handled modest passenger volumes, serving both domestic routes and limited international connections as China gradually opened to the outside world. The 1970s saw the first major expansion, with terminal upgrades and runway improvements to accommodate larger aircraft as air travel became more common in China.
The 1980s marked a period of significant growth as China’s economic reforms accelerated. Hongqiao became increasingly busy, handling growing numbers of business travelers as Shanghai reasserted its position as China’s commercial center. The airport received its first major terminal expansion in 1988, significantly increasing its capacity.
A pivotal moment in Hongqiao’s history came in 1999 with the opening of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which took over most international long-haul flights. This transition allowed Hongqiao to refocus its role, specializing in domestic and regional short-haul traffic while maintaining limited international service to nearby Asian destinations.
The most transformative development came with the 2010 World Expo hosted in Shanghai. In preparation for this global event, Hongqiao underwent a massive expansion project that included the construction of Terminal 2, a second runway, and the revolutionary Hongqiao Transportation Hub. This development effectively transformed Hongqiao from a simple airport into an integrated transportation nexus combining air, high-speed rail, metro, and long-distance bus services.
In recent years, Hongqiao has continued to evolve, with Terminal 1 undergoing comprehensive renovation in 2014 to bring its facilities up to the same standard as the newer Terminal 2. Today, Hongqiao serves as a model for integrated transportation planning, efficiently linking air travel with other transportation modes in one seamless complex.
SHA Quick Facts
- Official Name: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- IATA Code: SHA
- ICAO Code: ZSSS
- Location: Changning District, 13 kilometers west of downtown Shanghai
- Elevation: 3 meters (10 feet) above sea level
- Size: Approximately 7.5 square kilometers
- Runways: Two parallel runways (18L/36R and 18R/36L)
- Terminals: Two main terminals (T1 and T2)
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Distance from Shanghai City Center: 13 kilometers (8 miles)
- Operator: Shanghai Airport Authority
- Nickname: Hongqiao Airport
- Special Feature: Integrated transportation hub with high-speed rail, metro, and bus connections
Key Statistics
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has established itself as one of China’s busiest domestic aviation hubs. Before the global pandemic, Hongqiao was consistently handling over 45 million passengers annually, placing it among the top 10 busiest airports in China and the top 40 worldwide.
In 2019, a record year, Hongqiao processed 45.6 million passengers, primarily on domestic routes, with a small percentage of regional international travelers flying to nearby Asian destinations. The airport manages approximately 350 aircraft movements daily during peak periods, connecting Shanghai to over 80 destinations across China and nearby countries.
While Hongqiao’s primary focus is passenger service, it also handles some air cargo, processing approximately 430,000 metric tonnes of freight annually. However, cargo operations represent a secondary focus compared to its role in passenger transportation.
The airport serves as a vital economic engine for western Shanghai, directly employing approximately 10,000 people with tens of thousands more working in airport-related industries throughout the surrounding districts. The Hongqiao Business District that has developed around the airport has become one of Shanghai’s important commercial zones.
Domestic traffic dominates at Hongqiao, accounting for approximately 90% of all passenger movements. The busiest routes connect Shanghai to other major Chinese cities, with the Shanghai-Beijing route ranking among the world’s busiest air corridors, featuring departures approximately every 15 minutes during peak hours.
Terminal 2 handles approximately 70% of the airport’s total passenger volume, serving as the main hub for China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Terminal 1, following its renovation, primarily serves other Chinese carriers and the limited international operations.
Facilities
Hongqiao Airport offers passengers a comprehensive range of facilities spread across its two modern terminals:
Terminal 1, renovated in 2014, spans 82,000 square meters across two main levels. The departure level features check-in counters, security checkpoints, and a modest selection of shops and restaurants. The arrival level houses baggage claim, customs facilities for international arrivals, and ground transportation access. Terminal 1 primarily serves Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, and other Chinese carriers beyond the China Eastern group.
Terminal 2, opened in 2010, is substantially larger at 364,000 square meters and represents the airport’s principal facility. This modern terminal serves as the main hub for China Eastern Airlines and its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines. The spacious, well-designed space features extensive natural lighting, efficient passenger flow, and comprehensive amenities. The terminal is divided into domestic and international sections, with the latter handling regional flights to destinations like Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Shopping: Retail offerings at Hongqiao include both international brands and domestic Chinese retailers. Terminal 2 features the more extensive shopping options, with a large central retail area offering fashion, electronics, and duty-free goods for international passengers. Local Shanghai specialties including silk products, tea, and traditional crafts are well-represented.
Dining: Food and beverage options span from Western fast-food chains to authentic Chinese cuisine. Terminal 2 houses over 40 dining establishments, including several featuring Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other local specialties. Terminal 1 offers a more limited but still diverse selection of restaurants and cafes.
Lounges: Business travelers can access several premium lounges, with China Eastern operating its flagship domestic lounges in Terminal 2. Independent lounges serving multiple airlines operate in both terminals, offering complimentary food and beverages, business facilities, shower rooms, and relaxation areas. Pay-per-use options are available for economy travelers.
Services: Comprehensive passenger services include banking facilities, currency exchange, medical clinics, children’s play areas, nursing rooms, and baggage storage. Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals, and charging stations are plentiful in waiting areas.
Unique Features: The airport’s integration with the Hongqiao Transportation Hub represents its most distinctive characteristic. This seamless connection allows passengers to transfer directly between flights and high-speed trains without leaving the complex, creating one of China’s most efficient intermodal transportation centers.
Airlines and Destinations
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport serves as a critical hub for several major Chinese carriers:
China Eastern Airlines maintains its primary domestic hub at Hongqiao, operating an extensive network of routes throughout China. Terminal 2 serves as the airline’s main base for domestic operations, with hundreds of daily departures.
Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern, focuses on domestic and regional Asian routes, operating exclusively from Hongqiao’s Terminal 2.
Air China, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and other major Chinese carriers maintain significant operations at the airport, primarily from Terminal 1.
Spring Airlines, China’s leading low-cost carrier, operates numerous domestic routes from Hongqiao.
Regional international carriers serving Hongqiao include:
- Japanese airlines: All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines
- Korean carriers: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines
- Hong Kong/Taiwan operators: Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, China Airlines
Domestic destinations from Hongqiao cover all major Chinese cities and many regional centers, with particularly frequent service to:
- Beijing: Over 70 daily flights during peak periods
- Guangzhou: Approximately 40 daily flights
- Shenzhen: More than 30 daily flights
- Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Hangzhou: Each served by 20+ daily departures
- Numerous secondary cities: Multiple daily connections throughout China
International destinations are limited to short-haul regional routes including:
- Tokyo (Haneda Airport)
- Seoul (Gimpo Airport)
- Hong Kong
- Taipei (Songshan Airport)
- Select destinations in Japan and South Korea
These international routes typically connect to downtown airports in other Asian cities, reflecting Hongqiao’s role as Shanghai’s more centrally located airport.
Ground Transportation
Hongqiao Airport’s ground transportation options are exceptional due to its integration with the Hongqiao Transportation Hub:
Metro: Shanghai Metro Line 2 and Line 10 connect directly to the airport terminals. Line 2 links Hongqiao with downtown Shanghai, Pudong Airport, and major attractions, while Line 10 provides north-south connectivity across western Shanghai. The metro journey to central Shanghai takes approximately 25-30 minutes.
High-Speed Rail: The Hongqiao Railway Station, one of China’s largest high-speed rail terminals, sits adjacent to Terminal 2. This facility offers bullet train connections to major cities throughout eastern China, including:
- Beijing (4.5 hours)
- Nanjing (1 hour)
- Hangzhou (45 minutes)
- Suzhou (25 minutes)
Buses: Multiple city bus routes serve both terminals, connecting to various districts in Shanghai. Long-distance coaches operate from the Hongqiao Hub to neighboring cities in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Taxis: Designated taxi stands operate outside both terminals, with regulated fares to all parts of Shanghai. A typical journey to downtown areas costs approximately 70-100 RMB and takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Ride-hailing: Services like DiDi (China’s equivalent to Uber) operate at designated pickup points, offering an alternative to traditional taxis.
Car Rental: Several domestic and international car rental companies maintain counters in both terminals, though foreigners should note that driving in Shanghai requires a Chinese driver’s license or international driving permit.
Terminal Transfers: A free shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, operating approximately every 15 minutes with a journey time of about 10 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can use Line 10 of the Shanghai Metro for a one-stop journey between terminals.
Future Development
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport’s future development focuses on refinement rather than major expansion:
Terminal Enhancement: Both terminals are undergoing continuous improvements to passenger facilities, with plans for expanded retail and dining options, improved seating areas, and enhanced digital services. Terminal 1 will see further modernization to maintain parity with Terminal 2.
Smart Airport Initiatives: Hongqiao is implementing comprehensive digital transformation, including facial recognition for check-in and boarding, self-service baggage drop facilities, and automated security screening. The goal is to create a paperless, seamless journey for passengers.
Hongqiao International Opening-up Hub: The area surrounding the airport is being developed as a special economic zone focused on international trade, exhibitions, and services. This development seeks to leverage the airport’s excellent connectivity to create a business district specializing in international exchange.
Capacity Optimization: While physical expansion is limited due to the airport’s urban location, operational improvements aim to increase efficiency. Advanced air traffic management systems and optimized scheduling will help accommodate growing demand within the existing infrastructure.
Sustainability Measures: Environmental initiatives include the transition to electric ground service equipment, improved energy efficiency in terminal buildings, noise reduction measures, and exploration of sustainable aviation fuels.
Transportation Integration: Further enhancement of the Hongqiao Hub will strengthen connections between air travel and other transportation modes, with improved passenger flow between terminals and the high-speed rail station.
5G and IoT Implementation: Next-generation wireless technology and Internet of Things devices will enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience, enabling real-time tracking of assets and improved communication.
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