Hefei Airport Upgrades Infrastructure and Welcomes C919 Commercial Operations

According to China News Service, Hefei Xinqiao International Airport is accelerating infrastructure upgrading and network optimisation to strengthen its hub capacity, delivering robust aviation support for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.

Significant progress has been made in the airport’s expansion and renovation projects in the first four months of the year. The accumulated investment reached 1.015 billion yuan, accounting for 36 percent of the annual investment plan. The bidding process for road and supporting facilities of the airfield and service area expansion has been completed. Upon completion, the project will improve internal transportation efficiency and streamline operational logistics across the airport zone. The comprehensive transportation centre has passed final acceptance, while connecting services for the metro Line S1 have been further optimised to facilitate seamless multi-modal transfers for passengers.

The airport is also deepening aviation and cultural tourism integration under the local brand “Perfect Flight”. Official statistics show that the airport handled 262,300 transfer passengers from January to April, representing a 27 percent year-on-year increase, reflecting growing vitality in cross-regional travel and transit services.

Route network expansion constitutes another key development focus. During the current summer and autumn flight season, the airport collaborates with 25 airlines to operate 93 passenger routes covering 70 domestic and international destinations. New tourist routes to Yining, Mangshi and Xingyi have been launched, while flight frequencies to Kunming, Chongqing, Dalian, Taiyuan and Ordos have been increased. The expanded route layout effectively eases travel pressure during peak seasons and enriches regional air transport options.

The airport has officially introduced China’s domestically developed C919 large passenger aircraft for commercial operations. On April 26, a China Southern Airlines C919 jet landed at Hefei Xinqiao International Airport and received a traditional water cannon salute, the highest etiquette in civil aviation. The milestone makes Hefei the 23rd city in China to welcome commercial C919 flights. A total of ten scheduled C919 flights will serve the Hefei-Guangzhou route between April and May, marking the steady commercial application of China’s self-developed civil aircraft in regional air transport networks.

Moving forward, Hefei Airport will continue to upgrade hardware and software facilities, optimise route structures and enhance operational service quality. Continuous improvements to hub functions will further empower regional economic integration and high-quality industry development across Anhui Province and the broader Yangtze River Delta.