Suzhou to Finally Get Its Own Airport by 2026
In a significant development for the city of Suzhou, the Suzhou General Airport is slated to be completed and operational by the end of 2026. This major project was announced at the Suzhou 2025 City Transportation Work Conference, marking a crucial milestone in the city's transportation infrastructure. The airport, categorized as an A1-level general airport, will feature a 1,600-meter-long runway and supporting facilities, catering to aviation consumption, flight training, emergency rescue services, and contributing to the growth of the low-altitude economy.
12 February 2025
Located at the intersection of Shajiabang Town in Changshu and Bacun Town in Kunshan, the airport will occupy approximately 75.8 hectares of land. Upon completion, it will provide essential services, including aviation consumption, flight training, and emergency rescue operations, thereby boosting the local economy. Although the new airport is not designed for large-scale civil aviation passenger transport, its construction is a significant step forward for Suzhou, a city with a population of over 10 million and a GDP exceeding 2 trillion yuan.
For years, Suzhou has been without its own airport, relying on neighboring cities like Wuxi, Changzhou, and Nantong for air travel. The lack of a local airport has been a longstanding concern for residents, who often jokingly refer to it as the "Suzhou Meiyou Airport" (meaning "Suzhou has no airport"). However, the city has been actively working to shorten the distance to nearby airports, with notable progress made in recent years. The establishment of city terminals in Suzhou's high-tech zone and the launch of "air-to-air" transport services have helped bridge the gap, providing residents with more convenient access to air travel.
The upcoming Suzhou General Airport is expected to play a vital role in promoting the city's economic development, particularly in the low-altitude economy sector. The airport's construction is progressing steadily, with the project team working to start construction this year and complete it by the end of 2026. The airport will have a comprehensive building, control tower, hangars, garages, and fueling facilities, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
The news of Suzhou's upcoming general airport has sparked a lively discussion among netizens, with some suggesting the airport be named "Suzhou Yiyou Airport". However, others pointed out the distinction between the general airport and a commercial airport, emphasizing that Suzhou still needs a civilian airport. Many expressed excitement and relief that Suzhou would finally have its own airport, putting an end to the long-standing joke about the city not having one. Some netizens noted that the new general airport, while a significant development, does not address the need for a larger commercial airport that can handle regular passenger flights.
They argued that Suzhou, with its large population and significant economic output, deserves a more comprehensive aviation infrastructure. Others welcomed the progress, acknowledging that the general airport would still provide essential services such as flight training, emergency rescue, and support for the low-altitude economy. The discussion also highlighted the creative solutions that Suzhou has implemented to compensate for the lack of a local airport, including the introduction of urban airports in nearby cities and the adoption of "air-to-air transportation" services.
The construction of Suzhou's general aviation airport is poised to bring new opportunities to the city's tourism industry and economic development. As people await the airport's opening, they anticipate that it will not only enhance the connectivity between Suzhou and other cities but also propel the city's growth. With the airport in place, Suzhou is expected to become a more attractive destination for tourists and businesses alike, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and strategic location in the Yangtze River Delta region. The increased accessibility will likely stimulate local commerce, create new job opportunities, and further establish Suzhou as a thriving metropolis. Moreover, the airport's presence may also foster greater collaboration and exchange between Suzhou and other major cities, both domestically and internationally, ultimately contributing to the city's transformation into a hub of economic and cultural activity. As Suzhou prepares to take to the skies, the city's residents and visitors can look forward to a brighter, more connected future.
