Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (IATA: PVG, ICAO: ZSPD) is the primary international airport serving Shanghai, China. Located in the eastern Pudong New Area, approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre, it is one of the busiest aviation hubs in Asia. The airport handles the majority of Shanghai’s long-haul international flights, while Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport focuses mostly on domestic and regional services.

Officially opened in October 1999, the airport has expanded rapidly and now features two major passenger terminals, four runways, extensive cargo facilities, and advanced passenger services. It plays a central role in connecting China to major global destinations across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and the Middle East.

---

History

Plans for a new international airport in Shanghai were initiated in the early 1990s to accommodate the region’s rapid economic growth and increasing passenger demand. Construction began in 1997, and the first phase—including Terminal 1 and initial runways—opened in 1999. Subsequent expansions added Terminal 2 (2008), multiple runways, and large cargo complexes, establishing Pudong as a world-class global hub.

---

Facilities

Terminals

The airport currently operates two large passenger terminals:

Terminal 1

• Opened in 1999
• Serves both domestic and international airlines
• Hosts SkyTeam member carriers and various international airlines
• Equipped with duty-free outlets, lounges, and restaurants

Terminal 2

• Opened in 2008
• Home to China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and partner carriers
• Designed with larger passenger capacity and improved flow
• Offers extensive shopping, dining, and premium services

A free shuttle bus operates between the two terminals every 10–15 minutes.

---

Airlines and Destinations

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a major hub for:

• China Eastern Airlines
• Shanghai Airlines
• Juneyao Air
• Air China
• Spring Airlines

It also hosts a wide range of international carriers, including:

• Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines
• Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada
• Qantas, Lufthansa, British Airways
• All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air

Destinations include major cities in:

• Asia: Tokyo, Bangkok, Dubai, Seoul, Singapore
• Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam
• North America: New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver
• Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne
• Middle East & Africa: Doha, Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa

---

Passenger Services

Shopping and Dining

Travellers can enjoy:

• Duty-free stores selling cosmetics, liquor, fashion, and electronics
• International restaurants, Chinese cuisine, cafés, fast-food chains
• Convenience stores and snack shops

Lounges

• China Eastern VIP Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounge
• Airline-specific lounges for business & first-class passengers

Connectivity

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
• Charging stations in boarding areas and lounges

Banking & Currency

• Multiple currency exchange counters
• ATMs supporting global cards

Medical Services

• 24-hour medical centres
• Emergency first-aid services in both terminals

Special Assistance

• Wheelchair support
• Family rooms and baby-care facilities
• Priority lanes for passengers with reduced mobility

---

Ground Transportation

Metro

Shanghai Metro Line 2 links the airport with:

• Longyang Road
• Lujiazui
• People’s Square
• Hongqiao Airport

Travel time to downtown: ~50 minutes.

Shanghai Maglev Train

One of the fastest commercial trains in the world:

• PVG ⇢ Longyang Road Station
• Speed: up to 431 km/h
• Travel time: ~8 minutes

Airport Buses

Multiple bus routes provide access to:

• Jing’an Temple
• Shanghai Railway Station
• Hongkou
• Pudong District

Taxis

Available 24/7 outside each terminal:

• Travel time to the city centre: 45–70 minutes, depending on traffic

Ride-Hailing

Apps such as Didi are widely used and have designated pickup zones.

Car Parking

• Short-term and long-term parking
• Multi-storey garages near both terminals
• Valet services available

---

Air Cargo Operations

Pudong is among the world’s busiest cargo airports.
Cargo services support:

• Express shipments
• E-commerce logistics
• Cold-chain transport
• High-value goods handling

Major cargo airlines include DHL, FedEx, UPS, and China Cargo Airlines.

---

Future Development

Ongoing and planned expansions include:

• Additional satellite concourses
• More aircraft stands and gates
• Upgraded automated check-in and biometric screening systems
• Enhanced cargo terminals and logistics infrastructure

These improvements aim to expand capacity and improve passenger experience as Shanghai’s air traffic continues to grow.

---

How to Reach Shanghai Pudong International Airport

From Downtown Shanghai

• Metro Line 2: Most affordable route
• Maglev + Metro: Fastest combination
• Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Convenient for luggage and groups

From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

• Direct Metro Line 2 connection
• Airport shuttle buses
• Taxi (approx. 1 hour depending on traffic)

---

See Also

• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
• Shanghai Metro
• China Eastern Airlines

Conclusion

Shanghai Pudong International Airport stands as one of Asia’s most advanced and strategically important air gateways, offering world-class facilities, extensive airline connectivity, and efficient transport links to central Shanghai and beyond. Whether travelling for business or leisure, passengers benefit from modern terminals, comprehensive amenities, and seamless international services. As the airport continues to expand with new technologies and infrastructure upgrades, Pudong will remain a central hub supporting China’s global aviation network and the growing travel needs of millions of domestic and international passengers each year.