Introduction to Wuxi Shuofang Airport
Wuxi Shuofang Airport (IATA: WUX, ICAO: ZSWX) is a prominent 4E-level civil-military international airport serving the cities of Wuxi and Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, China. Located in the Shuofang Subdistrict of Xinwu District, Wuxi, the airport is approximately 13 kilometers northwest of Wuxi city center and 26 kilometers southeast of Suzhou city center. Established on February 18, 2004, the airport has developed into a key aviation hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, one of China's most economically vibrant areas.
Location and Accessibility
Wuxi Shuofang Airport's strategic location in the Yangtze River Delta provides easy access to several major cities, including Wuxi, Suzhou, and Shanghai. The airport's proximity to major transportation networks ensures convenient travel options for passengers:
Highways and Expressways: The airport is accessible via several major highways, including the G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway and the S19 Wuxi–Changzhou Expressway.
Public Transportation: Multiple bus routes connect the airport to Wuxi, Suzhou, and surrounding cities. Additionally, the planned extension of the Wuxi Metro Line 3 will provide a direct link to the airport, enhancing connectivity.
Taxi and Car Services: Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, offering convenient transportation options for travelers.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Wuxi Shuofang Airport features modern facilities and infrastructure designed to handle a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic:
Terminal Buildings: As of August 2023, the airport has a terminal building area of 106,000 square meters and a cargo terminal area of 26,000 square meters. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including check-in counters, security checkpoints, duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers.
Runway: The airport has a single runway (03/21) that is 3,200 meters long and 50 meters wide, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A330. The runway is equipped with advanced navigation aids and lighting systems to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Parking Stands: The airport has 38 aircraft parking stands, including 16 contact stands with passenger boarding bridges and 22 remote stands. This infrastructure supports the efficient handling of a high volume of flights.
Cargo Facilities: Wuxi Shuofang Airport has a dedicated cargo terminal that handles a significant volume of air freight. The cargo facilities are equipped with modern handling equipment and storage areas, ensuring the efficient processing and distribution of goods.
Operations and Services
Wuxi Shuofang Airport supports a wide range of aviation activities, catering to both passenger and cargo needs:
Passenger Flights: The airport serves numerous domestic and international destinations, with airlines offering regular flights to major cities in China, as well as destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America. It is a hub for airlines such as China Eastern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines.
Cargo Flights: The airport plays a significant role in regional and international logistics, handling a substantial volume of air cargo. The modern cargo facilities ensure efficient processing and distribution of goods, supporting the region’s economic development.
General Aviation: The airport accommodates private and charter flights, providing services for business aviation, flight training, and recreational flying. Facilities for general aviation include hangars, maintenance services, and fueling stations.
Performance Statistics
In recent years, Wuxi Shuofang Airport has demonstrated impressive growth in passenger and cargo traffic:
2022 Statistics: The airport completed a passenger throughput of 3,768,868, ranking 41st nationwide; a cargo throughput of 97,993 tons, ranking 24th nationwide; and 37,770 aircraft movements, ranking 57th nationwide.
Capacity: The airport can meet the annual usage demands of 10 million passengers and 200,000 tons of cargo and mail.
Clarification on Naming
The official name of the airport WUX is "Wuxi Shuofang Airport" which has been used since its opening, and the name "Sunan Shuofang International Airport" actually refers to the operating company of the airport.
