Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (IATA: XMN, ICAO: ZSAM) is a major international airport serving the coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian Province, China. Located in the Huli District, approximately 10 km from Xiamen’s city center, it is one of Southeast China’s busiest aviation gateways and a key hub for XiamenAir. The airport handles extensive domestic routes and a growing number of international and regional connections linking China with Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and select long-haul destinations.

Operated by the Xiamen International Airport Group, the airport has undergone several expansions since its opening to meet rising passenger demand. Despite the upcoming shift of long-term operations to the new Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, Gaoqi Airport continues to function as an essential air hub for the region.

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History

The airport was opened for civil aviation use in 1983. Initially designed to support modest regional traffic, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport has grown rapidly over the past four decades in line with Xiamen’s development as a major economic and tourism center.

Key milestones include:

• 1990s–2000s: Major terminal upgrades and improved runway facilities.
• 2011: Expansion of Terminal 3 to manage rising domestic travel.
• 2014: Opening of Terminal 4, designed for international and regional flights.
• 2020s: Transition period toward the future Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, currently under construction.

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Terminals

Terminal 3 (T3)

• Primarily handles domestic flights.
• Offers streamlined check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and wide waiting lounges.
• Features local Fujianese food outlets, retail stores, and essential passenger facilities.

Terminal 4 (T4)

• Dedicated to international and regional flights.
• Equipped with immigration and customs facilities, expanded security processing, and multiple gates for wide-body aircraft.
• Provides duty-free shops, airline lounges, foreign exchange counters, and upgraded dining options.

Both terminals are connected by internal shuttle services and are easily accessible on foot.

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Airlines and Destinations

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is the main hub for XiamenAir, which operates an extensive network of domestic routes and long-haul services to destinations such as Amsterdam, Vancouver, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok.

Other major airlines operating at the airport include:

• China Southern Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Air China
• Hainan Airlines
• EVA Air
• Cathay Pacific
• Philippine Airlines
• AirAsia, Scoot, Jeju Air, and additional regional carriers.

International routes commonly link Xiamen with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Manila, Bangkok, and Jakarta.

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Passenger Services

Lounges

• XiamenAir Business Lounge
• China Southern Airlines Lounge
• Independent business-class and Priority Pass lounges in T4

Dining and Shopping

• Chinese restaurants, fast-food chains, cafés, and grab-and-go options
• Duty-free and duty-paid shopping, including international brands, perfumes, fashion, local specialties, and convenience stores

Facilities

• Free Wi-Fi throughout terminals
• Medical services and first-aid center
• Currency exchange, ATMs, and international banking services
• Baggage wrapping, storage, and porter services
• Lost and found center
• Children’s play areas and designated family facilities
• Accessibility services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM)

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Ground Transportation

Metro

The airport is served by Xiamen Metro Line 3, providing direct and fast connections to downtown areas, business districts, and key railway stations.

Airport Buses

Shuttle bus lines operate between the airport and:

• Xiamen Railway Station
• Xiamen North Railway Station
• City hotel zones
• Xiamen International Cruise Terminal
• Ferry piers for access to Gulangyu Island

Taxi

Metered taxis are widely available 24/7 outside the arrival areas. Travel time to central Xiamen ranges from 15–25 minutes.

Ride-Hailing

Popular services such as Didi Chuxing offer convenient private rides.

Car Rentals

Car rental companies operate counters within the terminal for domestic and international travellers.

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Runways

The airport features two runways:

• Runway 05/23 – 3,400 meters, supports wide-body international aircraft
• Runway 04/22 – 2,600 meters, suitable for narrow-body and medium-sized aircraft

These runways enable high-capacity operations for both passenger and cargo flights.

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Traffic and Statistics

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport handles:

• Over 25 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic baseline)
• More than 200,000 aircraft movements each year
• Significant cargo throughput, supporting Fujian’s export and trade economy

It ranks among the top airports in East China in terms of passenger volume and international connectivity.

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Future Developments

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport will eventually transfer many of its functions to the upcoming Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, designed to serve as the region’s primary international gateway. Until the new airport becomes operational, Gaoqi will continue to manage domestic and international flights with ongoing improvements in safety, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency.

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Nearby Attractions

The airport’s central location allows quick access to several of Xiamen’s famous tourist sites, including:

• Gulangyu Island – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
• Nanputuo Temple
• Xiamen University
• Huandao Road Coastal Belt

Most attractions are accessible within 20–40 minutes from the airport.

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See Also

• XiamenAir
• Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport
• Transport in Fujian
• Airports in China

Conclusion

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport stands as one of Southeast China’s most important aviation hubs, offering convenient access to both domestic and international destinations. With modern terminals, strong airline connectivity led by XiamenAir, and efficient ground transport links to major parts of the city, the airport provides a smooth and reliable travel experience for passengers. As Xiamen continues to grow as a business and tourism center, Gaoqi Airport remains a crucial gateway—one that will continue to serve travellers effectively until operations eventually shift to the upcoming Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport.