Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Kunming Changshui International Airport is the principal international gateway to Kunming and one of Southwest China’s most strategically important aviation hubs. Opened on 28 June 2012, it replaced Kunming Wujiaba International Airport and was developed to strengthen Kunming’s role as an air bridge between China, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The airport sits about 24.5 km northeast of central Kunming, at an elevation of roughly 2,100 metres, and was designed to accommodate large aircraft including the Airbus A380.
What makes Changshui distinctive is its role beyond simply moving passengers: it is designed as a gateway connecting China with the wider South and Southeast Asian region, making Kunming an important crossroads for international travel, trade and tourism.
KMG Airport Information at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Kunming Changshui International Airport |
| Chinese name | 昆明长水国际机场 |
| IATA code | KMG |
| ICAO code | ZPPP |
| Location | Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan, China |
| Opened | 28 June 2012 |
| Operator | Kunming Changshui International Airport Co., Ltd., part of Yunnan Airport Group |
| Primary role | International gateway and major aviation hub for Southwest China, South Asia and Southeast Asia |
| Distance from Kunming city centre | Approximately 24.5 km northeast |
| Elevation | Approximately 2,103 m above sea level |
| Runways | Two operational runways, approximately 4,000 m and 4,500 m long |
| Official website | https://km.ynairport.com/ |
| Wikipedia page | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunming_Changshui_International_Airport |
| Airport customer-service phone | 0871-96566 / +86 871 96566 |
| Airport service email | kmjctssl@163.com |
| 24-hour emergency medical contact | 0871-67090120 / +86 871 67090120 |
| Official company office phone | 0871-67091111 |
| Official address | Kunming Changshui International Airport, Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan, China |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Kunming Changshui International Airport?
The airport’s IATA code is KMG, while its ICAO code is ZPPP.
When did Kunming Changshui International Airport open?
Changshui Airport officially began operations on 28 June 2012, taking over Kunming’s main commercial-airport role from Wujiaba Airport.
How far is Kunming Changshui Airport from Kunming?
The airport is approximately 24.5 kilometres northeast of central Kunming.
Is Kunming Changshui an international airport?
Yes. It is a major international airport serving Kunming and functions as an important aviation gateway between China and South and Southeast Asia.
How many runways does Kunming Changshui Airport have?
The airport has two operational runways, approximately 4,000 metres and 4,500 metres long. Its aviation infrastructure was planned to support large commercial aircraft.
Does Kunming Airport provide medical assistance?
Yes. The airport has medical emergency facilities within the terminal and publishes a 24-hour pre-hospital emergency medical service for urgent situations.
Is there an airport information service for passengers?
Yes. Kunming Changshui provides passenger information services for matters such as airport facilities, transportation and flight-related enquiries through its airport service system.
Why is Kunming Changshui Airport strategically important?
Its location makes Kunming a natural aviation link between China and neighbouring markets across South and Southeast Asia. The airport’s own stated positioning is as an international aviation hub serving those regions and as a comprehensive transport hub for Southwest China.