Anshun Huangguoshu Airport

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Anshun Huangguoshu Airport (安顺黄果树机场IATA: AVA, ICAO: ZUAS) is a dual-use military and public airport serving the city of Anshunin Guizhou Province, China. It was built in 1965 as a military airport and opened to civil flights in 2002.

Overview

Anshun Huangguoshu Airport (安顺黄果树机场) is located in Songqi Town, Xixiu District, Anshun City, in the southwestern province of Guizhou, China. The airport is situated about 6 kilometers from the city center and serves as a significant gateway for both domestic and international tourists heading to the region, particularly to the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布). It is a 4C-level airport (IATA: AVA, ICAO: ZUAS), suitable for medium-sized aircraft.

Key Facts:

• Airport Name: Anshun Huangguoshu Airport (安顺黄果树机场)
• IATA Code: AVA
• ICAO Code: ZUAS
• Location: Songqi Town, Xixiu District, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, China
• Distance from City Center: 6 km
• Airport Type: Civil Aviation Airport
• Region: Southwest China
• Managing Authority: Anshun Huangguoshu Airport Management Co., Ltd.

Airport Features:

• Terminal Area: 1,800 square meters (as of 2020)
• Runway: 2,800 meters in length and 50 meters in width
• Aircraft Parking: 2 C-class remote aircraft parking spaces
• Passenger Capacity: Handling approximately 69,000 passengers annually (as of 2021)
• Cargo Handling: The airport processed 2.3 tons of cargo in 2021.

History and Development

Early History of Anshun Airport

• 1965: The selection of Anshun as a potential site for the airport was finalized, choosing the locations of the former Huanxi Ling Airport and Maoshanpo.
• 1966: Construction work for the airport began.
• December 8, 1970: Anshun Airport officially opened as a test airfield for the Guizhou Aircraft Manufacturing Company and as a military base for the People’s Liberation Army.
• 1998: The National Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) approved Anshun Airport as a general aviation airport, supporting the operations of Guizhou Shuangyang General Aviation Co., Ltd.
• 2002: The airport was authorized to begin commercial passenger and cargo services.

Renaming and Expansions

• December 2, 2002: Anshun Airport was renamed to Anshun Huangguoshu Airport in honor of the nearby Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of China’s largest waterfalls and a major tourist attraction.
• September 28, 2004: The airport officially opened to civil aviation operations, with its first route being Qingdao–Anshun–Kunming.
• 2005-2007: The airport went through several suspensions of flights due to operational challenges. These interruptions led to major renovations.
• 2009-2011: Significant expansions were carried out, elevating the airport to a 4C-level airport capable of handling larger aircraft. The project was completed in 2011.

Latest Developments

• 2016: Anshun Huangguoshu Airport entered into a new development phase with a comprehensive renovation plan, which included terminal and runway upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
• 2020-2021: Construction work continued, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, such as the terminal and flight zone, to improve airport efficiency and service quality.

Airport Infrastructure and Facilities

Terminal Building

The terminal of Anshun Huangguoshu Airport is a modern structure covering 1,800 square meters. It includes the following amenities:

• 3 Boarding Gates: These gates accommodate both domestic and limited international flights.
• Check-In Counters: There are multiple check-in counters for passengers.
• VIP Lounges: Comfortable waiting areas are available for passengers, including special lounges for premium travelers.
• Baggage Claim: A dedicated baggage claim area for incoming flights.

Runway and Taxiways

• Runway Dimensions: The airport has a single runway, numbered 08/26, which is 2,800 meters long and 50 meters wide. The runway is designed to accommodate medium-sized commercial aircraft.
• Parallel Taxiway: A taxiway is situated 100 meters from the southern end of the runway, allowing for smooth aircraft movements.

Aircraft Parking

The airport has 2 remote aircraft parking spaces of the C-class, which are suitable for medium-sized commercial jets.

Airlines and Routes

Anshun Huangguoshu Airport is serviced by several airlines operating routes to major cities within China. For the summer and autumn seasons in 2024, the following routes are active:

• China United Airlines (中国联合航空): Beijing Daxing (北京大兴)
• Qingdao Airlines (青岛航空): Nanjing (南京), Lijiang (丽江)
• Tianjin Airlines (天津航空): Xi’an (西安), Libo (荔波)

Flight Frequency and Operations

• Total Routes: 5 routes connecting the airport to major cities in China.
• Passenger Traffic (2021): 69,293 passengers.
• Aircraft Movements (2021): 967 take-offs and landings.
• Cargo Throughput (2021): 2.3 tons.

Special Services

Unaccompanied Minor Service

Anshun Huangguoshu Airport provides a special service for children traveling alone (ages 5-12). The airport staff assists these minors throughout their travel process, including check-in, security checks, and baggage collection. When the child arrives at their destination, they will be handed over to the designated guardian by airline personnel.

Transportation Options

Airport Shuttle Bus

The airport is well-connected to various parts of Anshun via shuttle bus services. Key stops include:

• Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布)
• Xingwei Furniture City (兴伟家俱城)
• West Aviation Road (西航路)
• Railway Station (火车站)

Tickets for the shuttle buses are priced at ¥2.

Public Bus Services

Several public buses serve the airport:

• Route 9: Connecting Huangguoshu Airport to the East Passenger Station (安顺客运东站).
• Route 24: Connecting the Chuanqu Industrial Park (川渝工业园) to the Railway Station.
• Anpu Intercity Bus: Connecting Puding (普定) to the North Gate of Anshun (安顺北门).

Taxi and Private Car Hire

Taxis and private cars are also readily available at the airport, providing convenient access to different parts of Anshun and surrounding areas.

Ongoing and Future Construction Plans

In recent years, the airport has undergone significant renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The 2019-2020 expansion project focused on expanding the terminal by 3,190 square meters, increasing the overall terminal size to 5,990 square meters. The new infrastructure is designed to meet the growing demands of air travel, with a projected capacity of 450,000 passengers annually and a peak hour capacity of 308 passengers.

How to Get There

• By Air: Anshun Huangguoshu Airport connects with several major cities in China, including Beijing, Nanjing, Xi’an, and Lijiang.
• By Bus: The airport can be reached via the shuttle buses or public transportation. The airport shuttle and buses offer convenient and affordable options to travel to the city center and nearby tourist destinations like Huangguoshu Waterfall.
• By Taxi or Private Car: Taxis and private car services are available from the airport, making it easy to reach any part of Anshun city and surrounding areas.

Travel Tips

• Check Flight Schedules: As Anshun Huangguoshu Airport handles a limited number of flights, it is recommended to check flight schedules in advance.
• Unaccompanied Minors: If traveling with children aged 5-12, make sure to arrange the unaccompanied minor service to ensure the child’s safety and comfort.
• Transportation to Huangguoshu Waterfall: If you’re visiting the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall, the airport shuttle bus provides an easy and affordable connection.
• Local Attractions: Make time to visit the nearby Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布), one of China’s largest and most famous waterfalls, and Tianlong Tunpu (天龙屯堡), a well-preserved ancient town.

Airlines and destinations