Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is one of China's busiest airports, serving as the primary aviation hub for Southwest China. Located about 16 kilometres from Chengdu city centre in Sichuan Province, it connects the region to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Operated by Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Co. Ltd, it has played a central role in supporting Chengdu's growth as a major economic and cultural hub.
Chengdu is served by two airports. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) handles the bulk of established domestic and international traffic. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), which opened in 2021, was built to expand the city's aviation capacity. Both airports operate simultaneously, serving different airlines and routes.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles select domestic and some international flights. Terminal 2 is the larger and more modern facility, primarily handling international flights and major domestic routes. Both terminals have full check-in, immigration, customs, and passenger amenity facilities.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are within the same airport complex. A free shuttle bus connects the two, with the journey taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Passengers transiting between terminals should factor this time into their connection planning.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has two runways capable of handling wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. The dual runway configuration supports the airport's high daily flight volume across both domestic and international operations.
China operates its own visa system. Indian passport holders must obtain a Chinese visa before travelling to Chengdu. Here is what Indian travellers need to know:
Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel as processing times can vary.
The official name is Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, commonly referred to as Chengdu Airport or CTU.
The IATA code is CTU.
Terminal 1 handles select domestic and some international flights. Terminal 2 is the primary terminal for international operations and major domestic routes.
The airport is in Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, approximately 16 kilometres from the city centre.
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport was originally established in the 1990s. Terminal 2 opened in 2012 to meet growing passenger demand.
Yes, CTU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though some retail and dining services may have limited hours late at night.
The airport is approximately 16 kilometres from the city centre. Metro Line 10 connects the airport to the city, with the journey taking around 30 to 40 minutes.
Airlines operating from CTU include Air China, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines, among others.
Yes, CTU has multiple lounges including Air China's First and Business Class Lounges and several Priority Pass accessible lounges, available based on airline, ticket class, or lounge membership.
Domestic Flights
International Flights