Handan Airport

Handan Airport serves as a welcoming gateway to one of China's ancient capitals, where history intertwines with modernity. Unlike giant, congested hubs, this air harbour offers travellers a tranquil atmosphere and a lack of bustle, allowing you to begin your acquaintance with Hebei Province without unnecessary stress. Located just a few minutes' drive from the city limits, the airport ensures quick access to the region's legendary landmarks, saving precious time for tourists.

Airport Features and Highlights:

The main advantage of Handan Airport (also known as Matou) is its compactness and convenient location. Situated less than 15 kilometres from the city centre, it allows you to reach your hotel or the business district by taxi in just 20–30 minutes, which is a rarity for Chinese metropolises. This makes it an excellent alternative to larger but more distant airports in neighbouring regions.

Passengers appreciate the terminal for its speed of service: check-in and pre-flight security checks take minimal time here. Despite its small size, the terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait, including cafes serving local cuisine and souvenir shops. For those planning to travel around the region, the airport serves as a convenient starting point not only for visiting Handan but also for trips to the neighbouring city of Anyang.

Below is the current contact information for Handan Airport (HDG). We recommend verifying key data, such as flight status, on official resources immediately before your trip.

• Official Website: http://www.hdjc.com.cn/. Please note that the website is in Chinese; for convenience, you can use the translation function in your browser.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 310 520 8888. We advise checking the operating hours of the inquiry service before calling.
• Address: Handan Airport (HDG), Ci County, Handan City, Hebei Province, China. The airport is located approximately 11 km from the city centre.
• Email: The airport does not publish a general email address for communication. It is recommended to use contact forms on the official website or contact your airline directly.
• Social Media: Links to the airport's official social media pages (e.g., Weibo or WeChat) are usually posted on its official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries, you can use the inquiry service phone number. For questions related to tickets, check-in, and carriage regulations, you should contact your airline directly.

Handan Airport (HDG) is located approximately 11 kilometres southwest of the city centre, making it easily accessible for travellers. You can reach it in several ways, each offering its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning your trip, you can choose between public transport, taxi, or a rental car.

Public Transport is the most economical way to get to the airport. Dedicated shuttle buses run between the city centre and the airport, stopping at major hotels and key transport hubs. This is a convenient and affordable option, ideally suited for tourists with light luggage. The bus journey usually takes from 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to check the schedule and route in advance, as they may change.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the airport. A trip from the centre of Handan will take approximately 20-30 minutes, excluding traffic jams. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but you get the convenience of door-to-door travel. Ensure the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fixed price in advance. Another reliable option is to book a transfer through your hotel or an online service, which guarantees a fixed cost and a meeting at the appointed time.

For those who value independence and plan to travel extensively around the region, car rental can be a good solution. Rental points operate at the airport and in the city, where you can choose a car to your taste. However, it is worth remembering that foreign tourists usually require a Chinese driving license to drive in China. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented car, parking is available, offering both short-term and long-term vehicle storage options.

If your itinerary allows for flexibility, it is worth considering other air hubs in the region. The closest is Xingtai Airport, just 40 km away. Also relatively close are Anyang Hongqiqu Airport (about 73 km) and Changzhi Airport (about 120 km). For longer flights and a wider choice of routes, you can consider major airports such as Mudan in Heze or Daguocun in Shijiazhuang.

Handan Airport (HDG) is a modern and compact aviation hub serving domestic flights. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation convenient even for those visiting for the first time.

The core of the airport is a single passenger terminal, which unites departure and arrival zones under one roof. Thanks to this, passengers do not need to worry about transferring between terminals—all procedures take place in one building. The terminal layout is logical: the ground floor usually houses check-in counters and the arrival zone with baggage claim, while the first floor houses the security checkpoint and boarding gates.

The Departure Zone is located after passing security control. Here, passengers will find a comfortable waiting lounge with sufficient seating, several small shops with souvenirs and travel goods, as well as a cafe where one can have a snack before the flight. The Arrival Zone is organised as simply as possible: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers follow signs to the baggage claim belts and then to the exit for public transport and taxis.

Completing all formalities at Handan Airport usually does not take much time. Check-in and baggage drop-off generally proceed quickly, and security screening is efficient. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance—approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to go through all procedures without haste, especially during peak periods.

To navigate the terminal, use the information boards and signs, which are duplicated in English. Airport staff are generally ready to help, although knowing basic phrases in Chinese or having an online translation app can significantly simplify communication. Due to its compact size and clear layout, getting lost in Handan Airport is practically impossible.

The Handan Airport (HDG), also known as Matou Airport, has a relatively recent but rich history as a civil aviation hub. Initially, it was a military airfield, and the decision for its dual-use was an important step for the development of the region's transport infrastructure. The airport was officially opened for commercial passenger transport on **August 8, 2007**.

In the early years of operation, the airport was quite modest, with a small terminal and limited capacity. However, the rapid growth of the economy and demand for air travel in China required significant improvements. A key stage of modernisation began in **June 2011**. As part of a large-scale expansion project, the runway length was increased from 2,200 to 2,600 metres, a new modern terminal of about 14,000 square metres was built, and new aircraft parking stands were added. The renovated airport reopened its doors in **December 2013**.

These improvements allowed the airport to achieve impressive results. Passenger traffic began to grow rapidly, and in **December 2018**, Handan Airport served **over 1 million passengers** in a year for the first time in its history. This achievement became an important milestone, confirming its status as a significant regional transport centre.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its transformation. In just over a decade, it turned from a military airfield with a small civil section into a full-fledged air gateway capable of handling large airliners and significant passenger traffic. This rapid evolution reflects the dynamic development of many Chinese cities and their infrastructure in the 21st century.

Handan Airport (HDG) provides passengers with a set of essential services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. The terminal houses small cafes and eateries where you can have a snack or a hot drink, as well as several shops with travel essentials, press, and souvenirs.

For rest before departure, the airport offers general waiting halls and VIP lounges for passengers who value enhanced comfort. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Also, for the convenience of travellers, special stands and outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets are provided.

ATMs and currency exchange points are available for passengers at the airport. In case of necessity, you can contact the 24-hour medical point for first aid. Mother and child rooms are equipped for families with small children. Passengers with disabilities are provided with necessary assistance and escort; it is recommended to notify your airline in advance for this service.

There are no hotels directly within the airport; however, in the city of Handan itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi or bus, there are many accommodation options. Business travellers will also find modern conference halls and business centres for holding meetings in city hotels.

At Handan Airport (HDG), travellers can find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Main dining points are concentrated in the main terminal, and they are available both in the public area before security control and in the departure zone after it.

For those who have time and wish to have a substantial lunch, small restaurants operate in the airport, specialising primarily in Chinese cuisine. Here you can order traditional dishes such as noodle soups, fried rice with various toppings, or dumplings. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic local food before departure.

If time is limited, several cafes and kiosks are at passengers' disposal. In them, you can quickly buy coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, or packaged snacks. This is an ideal option for a light bite right before boarding the flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding options for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance (or strict Halal requirements) might be challenging, as the assortment in small regional airports is often limited. It is recommended to carry small snacks with you if you adhere to a strict diet. The price range in airport establishments is average, slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice for air terminals.

Most cafes and restaurants operate in accordance with the flight schedule—they open with the first morning departures and close after the departure of the last aircraft. Thus, passengers always have the opportunity to refresh themselves regardless of the time of day.

When planning a trip through the airport of Handan city, use these tips to make your journey as comfortable and predictable as possible. A thoughtful approach will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time for more pleasant activities.

Arrival Time and Check-in. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before a domestic flight departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allocate at least 3-4 hours. Many airlines operating in China offer convenient online check-in, which allows you to select a seat in advance and save time in queues. The security screening procedure is standard, but be prepared to remove outerwear, belts, and take all electronics out of your carry-on luggage.

Seat Selection and Carry-on Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat ensures freedom of movement. For passengers with children or those rushing for a connection, it is more convenient to sit in the front part of the cabin. Remember the rules for carrying hand luggage: all liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, flammable substances, and high-capacity lithium-ion batteries outside of devices.

Passengers with Connections and Customs Control. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave enough time between flights, especially if passport and customs control is required. At customs, be prepared to present your passport, visa, and a completed declaration if necessary. Declare all goods subject to duty to avoid fines.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport online in advance. Travelling light with only hand luggage will save you from baggage fees. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. They will provide current information and explain your rights to food, drinks, or hotel accommodation depending on the wait duration. Stay calm and use this time to rest or explore the shops and cafes in the terminal.