Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport

Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport (IATA: AEQ) is a modern aviation hub serving as the air gateway to Ar Horqin Banner, located within the city of Chifeng. Opened to meet general aviation needs, it plays a key role in the region's transport infrastructure. The airport provides convenient access to the unique natural and cultural attractions of northern China. Located just a few kilometres from the banner's administrative centre, it serves as a convenient starting point for travellers eager to explore this picturesque land.

The main feature of Ar Horqin Airport is its classification as a Class A1 General Aviation Aerodrome. This means it is capable of handling small aircraft with a capacity of up to 30 seats, such as the Cessna 208B and Harbin Y-12, making it ideal for private flights and light aviation needs. Although the airport does not serve regular flights from major commercial airlines, its strategic location and modern infrastructure offer travellers flexibility and convenience for organising private tours and business trips to this region of China.

Finding direct contact details for Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport (AEQ) can be challenging, as it is a small regional airport without centralised passenger services like those found in major hubs. The most reliable way to obtain information is to contact the airline operating your flight directly.

• Official Airport Website: Ar Horqin Airport (AEQ) does not have its own public website. For information regarding flights and services, it is recommended to visit the official websites of the air carriers.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no public phone number for inquiries. For all questions regarding schedules, bookings, or flight status, please contact the airline directly, such as Tianjin Airlines, which operates flights here.
• Airport Address: The airport is located in Ar Horqin Banner, within the territory of the city of Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use your airline's customer service channels for communication.
• Airport Social Media: Official social media pages are not maintained for this airport.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the support service of the airline you flew with. There is no centralised lost and found service at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: There is no separate passenger support service at the airport. For most tourist and business trips to the region, the larger Chifeng Yulong Airport (CIF) is used, where all standard passenger services are available.

There are several ways to get to Ar Horqin Airport, which serves the banner of the same name in the city of Chifeng. Given that this is a small regional airport in China, the most convenient options for tourists would be a taxi or a rental car.

Taxi and Private Transfer — this is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the airport. The journey from the administrative centre of the banner (Tianshan town) usually takes no more than 20–30 minutes. We recommend agreeing on the price with the driver in advance or ensuring the meter is switched on. You can also book a transfer through your hotel, which will save you hassle upon arrival.

Public Transport usually does not offer direct routes to this airport. Special shuttle buses are unlikely here, and travelling by regular public buses may require transfers and take a significant amount of time. There is no direct railway or metro connection to the airport.

Car Rental and Parking. For those who value freedom of movement and wish to explore the surroundings, renting a car is an excellent choice. There is a car park at the Ar Horqin Airport terminal where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods. This is a convenient solution for travellers starting or ending their route through the region by car.

It is important to note that Ar Horqin Airport is primarily oriented towards local airlines. If you require a greater number of flights or international destinations, it is worth looking at larger airports in the region. Among them are Tongliao Airport (TGO) and Chifeng Airport (CIF). Also located within a few hours' drive are Chaoyang Airport (CHG), Ulanhot Airport (HLH), and Baicheng Chang'an Airport (DBC), which significantly expand travel possibilities.

Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport (AEQ) is a small and modern airport, mainly serving general aviation flights and regional destinations. Its structure is extremely simple and clear for passengers, making the stay here comfortable and eliminating the need for long navigation.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to the compact size of the building, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about transferring between terminals, as all operations are concentrated under one roof. The terminal layout is very logical: after entering, you immediately find yourself in the check-in area, followed by the security checkpoint and a small departure lounge.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in close proximity. After completing check-in and security checks, passengers enter the secure area with the boarding gate. The arrival zone includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. It is virtually impossible to get lost in Ar Horqin Airport thanks to its thoughtful and intuitive layout.

Check-in and security procedures usually take a minimal amount of time. Due to low passenger traffic, there are rarely long queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before your flight to complete all formalities without rushing. For navigation, simply follow the standard signs in Chinese and English. The entire path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate is easily traceable and will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced traveller.

Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport (AEQ) is a relatively new and modern aviation hub, the history of which began quite recently. Located in Ar Horqin Banner, within the territory of the city of Chifeng in China, it has become an important element of the region's transport infrastructure. The official opening of the airport took place on 26 December 2020, marking the beginning of a new era of accessibility for this part of Inner Mongolia.

The main goal of the airport's construction was to stimulate local economic development, improve transport accessibility, and support tourism. The project started on 1 May 2017 and was implemented as part of a state programme to develop civil aviation in remote areas of the country. Unlike airports with centuries of history, Ar Horqin is an example of a modern approach to creating infrastructure from scratch to meet specific regional needs.

Ar Horqin Airport is designed as a Class 4C civil aviation facility. It is equipped with a runway 2,500 metres long and a terminal covering an area of about 3,000 square metres. These characteristics allow it to handle medium-haul aircraft and ensure a comfortable stay for passengers. Since the airport is new, its history does not yet include major renovations, but its initial design already reflects modern standards of safety and efficiency.

To date, the history of Ar Horqin Airport is the story of its creation and first years of operation. An interesting fact is that it is one of the youngest airports in the region, and its appearance has significantly reduced travel time to local natural and cultural attractions. Its further development will be closely linked to the growth of tourist flow and economic activity in Ar Horqin Banner, and it has already become an important symbol of the modernisation of this picturesque corner of China.

Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport (AEQ) provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait before departure. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-organised and offers amenities for both business travellers and tourists.

Inside the terminal, you will find several options for a snack. These may include small cafés and eateries serving local cuisine, as well as familiar drinks and light snacks. Additionally, there are shops where you can buy souvenirs, travel essentials, and fresh newspapers. The assortment usually includes products with local flair.

For a comfortable wait for your flight, the airport provides general lounges with sufficient seating. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, as well as charging stations for electronic devices located in different parts of the terminal. For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges may be available, offering a quieter atmosphere and additional services.

ATMs for cash withdrawal can be found within the airport. However, currency exchange points in regional airports may operate intermittently or be absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance. In case of need, a medical point is available at the airport to provide first aid.

For travellers with children, nursing rooms are equipped. The airport is also adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and lifts. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance during check-in, security screening, and boarding.

There are no hotels directly on the territory of Ar Horqin Airport, but various accommodation options are easy to find in nearby settlements and in the city of Chifeng itself. Specialised conference halls or business centres are generally not provided at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards passenger service.

Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport (AEQ) is a regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is more modest than in large international airports. Nevertheless, passengers can find a few options to have a snack or drink coffee before departure. All infrastructure is usually concentrated in one main terminal.

For a quick snack, travellers can use the services of small eateries and vending machines. Sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks are sold here. If time permits, you can find a small café offering more substantial meals. Usually, the menu includes popular Chinese dishes: instant noodles, rice with chicken or vegetables, and dumplings. Sometimes you can also encounter elements of local Inner Mongolian cuisine, for example, dried meat or milk tea — this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with local tastes.

Main food points are located both in the general area before security control (landside) and in the secure departure zone (airside). The selection in the departure zone may be more limited, so if you want a substantial lunch, it is better to do so before checking in for your flight. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to flight schedules and may be limited to morning and daytime hours.

Passengers with strict dietary requirements should be prepared for limited choices. Specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes are extremely difficult to find here. Vegetarians can order noodles or rice with vegetables, but it is worth checking the composition of sauces. If you follow a strict diet, it is most reliable to bring food with you.

To ensure your journey through Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport in the city of Chifeng goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, follow our tips. A thoughtful approach to each stage will help save time, money, and nerves, leaving only pleasant impressions of the trip.

Time Planning and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Given the compact size of the airport, this time will be sufficient for check-in, luggage drop-off, and passing security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to choose a seat on the plane in advance: by the window — for lovers of scenic views, or by the aisle — if you value freedom of movement around the cabin.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Be prepared for standard screening procedures. Take out laptops and other large gadgets from your bags in advance. Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and all of them must be packed in one transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects must be checked in as luggage. Portable batteries (power banks) are allowed to be carried only in hand luggage.

For Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at Chifeng Ar Horqin Airport. In the transit zone, follow the "Transfer" signs. Use the time between flights to rest, visit a café, or shop.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative at the airport. Depending on the duration of the delay and its cause, the air carrier is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and in case of a long wait — hotel accommodation. Remain calm and verify information with officials.