Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport
User:Yuezhi_Huang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Shanghai Pudong International Airport
IATA	PVG
ICAO	ZSPD
Owner	Shanghai Airport Authority
Operator	Shanghai International Airport Co., Ltd.
City-served	Shanghai
Location	Pudong, Shanghai
Opened	October 1, 1999
Hub	* China Eastern Airlines * Shanghai Airlines * Juneyao Air * Spring Airlines * DHL Aviation
Elevation-f	13
Coordinates	31, 08, 36, N...
Website	http://www.shairport.com/

Shanghai Pudong International Airport. It is one of two major international airports serving the Shanghai metropolitan area, the other being Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. As a primary aviation gateway for East China and a major hub for Asia, it facilitates a vast network of passenger and cargo flights. Operated by the Shanghai Airport Authority, the airport is a critical component of the city's status as a global financial and logistics center.

History

The need for a new airport emerged in the 1990s as Shanghai experienced rapid economic growth and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport reached capacity. Construction began in 1997 on reclaimed coastal land in Pudong, with the first phase opening on October 1, 1999. A significant expansion occurred ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics, including the opening of Terminal 2 and a third runway. Further development continued with the launch of the Satellite Concourse and a fifth runway to accommodate the growing operations of carriers like China Eastern Airlines and international partners such as Lufthansa and Delta Air Lines.

Terminals and facilities

The airport currently comprises two main passenger terminals and a satellite concourse. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 handle the majority of commercial flights, while the Satellite Concourse (S1) is connected to Terminal 2 via an underground automated people mover. Key facilities include the Shanghai Maglev Train station, which provides a direct high-speed link to the city. The airport also features extensive cargo facilities operated by giants like DHL Aviation and FedEx Express, supporting its role as a major air freight hub in competition with Hong Kong International Airport and Incheon International Airport.

Airlines and destinations

As a global hub, it hosts a vast array of domestic and international carriers. Major Chinese airlines such as China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines use it as a primary base. It is also a key Asian gateway for global alliances including SkyTeam and Star Alliance, with significant operations from Delta Air Lines, KLM, All Nippon Airways, and Singapore Airlines. The airport offers non-stop flights to major global cities like London Heathrow Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Sydney Airport, and Frankfurt Airport.

Ground transportation

Multiple efficient transport options connect the airport to Shanghai and beyond. The most prominent is the Shanghai Maglev Train, which reaches speeds of 430 km/h on its journey to Longyang Road station. The Shanghai Metro Line 2 provides a conventional rail link to the city center, while extensive networks of airport buses serve key locations like Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Railway Station. Taxis and rental cars from companies like Hertz and Avis are also readily available.

Statistics

It consistently ranks among the world's busiest airports by both passenger traffic and cargo volume. In 2019, it handled over 76 million passengers, making it one of the busiest in China after Beijing Capital International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. It is also a top global cargo airport, regularly competing with Memphis International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport for the top position, facilitated by integrators like UPS Airlines and FedEx Express.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record since its opening. There have been no major fatal accidents involving commercial aircraft at the facility. Operational incidents have typically involved minor runway excursions or ground handling events, with investigations overseen by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The safety protocols are aligned with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Category:Airports in China Category:Buildings and structures in Shanghai Category:1999 establishments in China