Generated by DeepSeek V3.2| Xi'an Xianyang International Airport | |
|---|---|
| Name | Xi'an Xianyang International Airport |
| Image-width | 250 |
| IATA | XIY |
| ICAO | ZLXY |
| Owner | Shaanxi Province |
| Operator | Western Airport Group |
| City-served | Xi'an |
| Location | Xianyang, Shaanxi |
| Opened | 01 September 1991 |
| Hub | *China Eastern Airlines *Joy Air *Hainan Airlines *Tianjin Airlines |
| Metric-elev | 479 |
| Elevation-m | 479 |
| Elevation-f | 1,572 |
| Coordinates | 34, 26, 49, N... |
| Website | http://www.xxia.com/ |
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. It is the major aviation hub for Northwest China and the primary gateway serving the Shaanxi provincial capital of Xi'an. As the largest airport in China's Northwest Region, it functions as a crucial hub for China Eastern Airlines and a focus city for several carriers including Hainan Airlines. The facility is a key component of the national Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating international connectivity from the heart of ancient Silk Road.
The airport commenced operations on 1 September 1991, replacing the older Xi'an Xiguan Airport to meet growing regional demand. A major expansion was completed in 2003 with the opening of Terminal 2 in preparation for increased traffic. The most significant development phase culminated in 2012 with the inauguration of Terminal 3 and a second runway, dramatically boosting capacity ahead of its designation as a 72-hour visa-free transit port. Its strategic importance was further cemented when it was named by the Civil Aviation Administration of China as one of eight national hub airports in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The airport features three passenger terminals, with the monumental Terminal 3 designed by the British firm Foster + Partners being the largest. It houses two parallel runways (06/24 and 05/23) capable of handling the Airbus A380. The complex includes extensive cargo terminal facilities operated by companies like DHL and SF Express, supporting its role in global logistics. Passenger amenities are comprehensive, featuring numerous VIP lounges operated by Air China and SkyTeam, a large duty-free shopping area, and direct access to the Xi'an Metro Airport Line.
The airport serves as a primary hub for China Eastern Airlines, which operates an extensive network to major domestic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. It is also a focus city for Hainan Airlines, Joy Air, and Tianjin Airlines. International services connect Xi'an to key global destinations including London, Paris, Rome, Singapore, and Tokyo through carriers such as China Southern Airlines, Air China, and Finnair. Cargo operators include Cargolux and Air China Cargo.
In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport handled over 47 million passengers, ranking it among the top 10 busiest airports in China and the top 40 globally. It also managed approximately 380,000 tons of cargo and mail, and over 343,000 aircraft movements. The facility consistently shows strong growth, with passenger numbers having tripled since 2010, reflecting Xi'an's rise as a major economic and tourist center in Western China. Key domestic routes include frequent services to Shenzhen and Chengdu.
The airport is connected to downtown Xi'an and the Xi'an North Railway Station via the dedicated Xi'an Metro Airport Line, which provides a fast and frequent service. Multiple intercity railway services also link the airport to other cities in Shaanxi province. An extensive network of intercity buses and long-distance buses serves destinations across the region, including Huashan and the Terracotta Army site. Taxis and ride-hailing services from companies like Didi Chuxing are readily available at designated ranks outside each terminal.
The airport has maintained a strong safety record since its opening. A notable incident occurred in 2006 when a Xiamen Airlines flight from Fuzhou experienced a landing gear malfunction upon arrival, resulting in a safe emergency landing with no injuries. In 2012, a cargo flight operated by China Postal Airlines made a safe emergency return shortly after takeoff due to an engine indication issue. These events are managed by the Northwest Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which oversees aviation safety in the region.
Category:Airports in China Category:Buildings and structures in Shaanxi Category:1991 establishments in China