Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Opened in 1921 as a humble airfield with a dirt runway, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has witnessed a century of dramatic transformations. Imagine standing here, before this bustling hub of domestic and international travel, and picturing its humble beginnings. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport wasn’t always the gleaming modern structure we see today. In the 1930s, it became a strategic point during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japanese forces occupied Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, utilizing it as an airbase. The airport’s significance continued even after the war. It transitioned back to civilian use in the late 1960s. The original Terminal 1, a testament to China’s self-reliance, opened in 1964, boasting advanced amenities for its time. Barbershops, bookstores, banks, and even a hotel were available within the terminal. Fast forward to the 1990s. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport served as Shanghai’s primary airport until Pudong International Airport opened in 1999. Most international flights then shifted to Pudong, leaving Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport primarily for domestic routes. The transition wasn’t without its challenges. The airport had only one runway at the time. Now a major hub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Juneyao Air, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has undergone significant expansions. In 2010, a massive project added a second runway and a new Terminal 2. This expansion quadrupled the size of the original terminal and significantly increased the airport’s passenger capacity. Today, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport stands as a symbol of progress. It’s a modern marvel. It efficiently connects millions of passengers annually to destinations across China and beyond. The airport’s continued growth and development reflect Shanghai’s status as a global hub. The airport has been certified as a Skytrax 5-Star Airport for its exceptional facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, dining, and staff service.