Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is the city’s closer-to-downtown aviation gateway, sitting roughly 13 km west of central Shanghai. Unlike Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao is particularly important for domestic and regional travel, and its location beside Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station makes it feel less like a standalone airport and more like one piece of a vast air–rail–metro transportation network.

Its two terminals serve different passenger flows, while Terminal 2 connects directly into the Hongqiao transportation hub. The airport is operated by Shanghai Airport (Group) and uses the IATA code SHA and ICAO code ZSSS.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport — Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions About SHA Airport

What is Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport known for?

It is best known as a major domestic and regional aviation gateway for Shanghai, with an exceptionally strong connection to the city’s high-speed railway and metro systems.

Is Hongqiao Airport convenient for reaching central Shanghai?

Yes. Its relatively close-in location makes it particularly practical for travelers whose destination is central or western Shanghai.

How many runways does Hongqiao Airport have?

The airport has two runways, allowing it to handle a substantial volume of aircraft movements.

Which airlines use Hongqiao as a major hub?

Hongqiao is an important hub for airlines including China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao Air and Spring Airlines.

Can passengers travel directly from Hongqiao Airport to other parts of Shanghai by metro?

Yes. The airport is integrated with Shanghai’s metro network, with Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 served by different metro connections.

Is Hongqiao Airport connected to China’s high-speed rail network?

Yes. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, adjacent to Terminal 2, is a major high-speed rail hub, making air-to-rail transfers especially convenient.

What does SHA stand for?

SHA is the IATA airport code assigned to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

What is the difference between Hongqiao and Pudong airports?

In broad terms, Hongqiao (SHA) is closer to central Shanghai and focuses heavily on domestic and regional services, while Pudong (PVG) is the city’s principal international gateway.

When did Hongqiao Airport open?

The airport dates back to the early development of Shanghai aviation and is officially recorded as opening in 1929.