Hefei Xinqiao Airport

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport is much more than just a point on a map for takeoffs and landings; it is an impressive aerial gateway to Anhui Province, capturing the imagination with its futuristic architecture. From a bird's-eye view, the terminal resembles a giant exotic fish swimming in an ocean of fields, which, according to the architects, symbolizes the life and prosperity of the region. Spacious halls filled with natural light and advanced technologies create an atmosphere of calm and comfort, setting travellers up for a pleasant journey even before boarding the aircraft.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Xinqiao stands out from many standard aviation hubs with its unique approach to space organization, combining aesthetics with high functionality.

• Architectural Masterpiece. The terminal design, inspired by the image of a "breathing fish," is not only beautiful but also eco-friendly: the complex roof shape and extensive glazing ensure maximum use of daylight and natural ventilation.
• Compactness and Convenience. Despite its ability to handle large airliners, the airport is designed to minimize walking distances. A single terminal serves both domestic and international flights, making navigation intuitively clear and transfers quick.
• Harmony with Nature. The complex's interiors are decorated with landscape design elements referencing the famous scenery of the Yellow Mountains and lakes of Anhui Province, creating a kind of green oasis inside the building for passenger relaxation.
• Technological Equipment. The airport is equipped with modern automatic baggage handling systems and fast-track security zones, significantly reducing the time required for pre-flight formalities.

Official Website: www.hfairport.com

Inquiry Service Phone: +86-551-6377-7888 (24 hours)

Address: Gaoliu Avenue, Gaoliu Town, Feixi County, Hefei, Anhui, China

Email: The airport does not provide a public email address. It is recommended to use the phone or feedback forms on the official website for communication.

Lost & Found Information: For lost items and baggage inquiries, please contact +86-551-6377-7672.

Passenger Support: The main support channel is the 24-hour inquiry service at +86-551-6377-7888.

There are several ways to get to Xinqiao International Airport, located approximately 32 kilometres southwest of the centre of Hefei. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The trip from the city centre usually takes from 40 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The main means of connection between the city and the airport are specialized shuttle buses. There are several routes linking the airport with key points in the city, including railway stations and major hotels. This is a reliable and inexpensive method with low fares. Buses run from early morning until late evening. The Hefei Metro is actively developing, and there are plans for a line to the airport, but currently, you will need to use a bus or taxi to travel to Xinqiao.

Taxis and Transfers are the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. A taxi ride from the city centre will take about 40-60 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus and may vary depending on traffic and the time of day. It is recommended to use official taxis or trusted ride-hailing apps. Another comfortable option is to book a private transfer in advance. This is especially convenient if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, as the price will be fixed.

Car Rental and Parking. For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental services are available in China. However, please note that driving in the country requires a Chinese driving license; international permits are generally not accepted. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided within the airport complex.

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE) is a modern aviation hub designed for maximum passenger convenience. Currently, the airport operates one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, travellers do not need to worry about complicated transfers between different buildings.

The terminal structure is intuitive. The building has several levels:

• Upper Level is dedicated to the departure zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and entrances to security screening and passport control.
• Lower Level is designed for arriving passengers. After disembarking from the aircraft, you will proceed to the baggage claim halls and customs control. Exits to taxis, buses, and parking are also located here.

Navigation inside the terminal is straightforward thanks to numerous signs in Chinese and English. The layout of all services is logical: after check-in, you sequentially pass through security, passport control (for international flights), and enter a spacious waiting area with boarding gates. Information boards with up-to-date flight schedules are installed throughout.

The time required for pre-flight formalities may vary. On average, check-in and security for domestic flights take about 45-60 minutes, though queues are possible during peak hours. For international flights, it is recommended to allow more time. To avoid rushing, we advise arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for domestic destinations and 3 hours for international ones.

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE) is a modern aviation complex whose history serves as a clear example of the rapid development of China. Unlike many airports with a history spanning decades, Xinqiao was built from scratch in the 21st century to meet the growing transport needs of the dynamically developing city of Hefei and the entire Anhui Province.

The decision to build a new airport was made in the early 2000s when it became clear that the old Hefei Luogang Airport, located within the city limits, had exhausted its expansion capabilities. Construction work began in 2008, and on May 30, 2013, the airport officially received its first flight. This day became an important milestone in the development of the region's transport infrastructure.

Since its opening, Xinqiao Airport has immediately established itself as a major and high-tech hub. It was assigned the 4E class, allowing it to handle wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. This paved the way for long-haul international flights. Over the years, the airport has demonstrated impressive passenger traffic growth, quickly surpassing the figures of its predecessor.

One of the most remarkable facts about Hefei Xinqiao Airport is its unique architecture. The main terminal building is designed in the shape of a tropical fish, making it one of the most recognizable and photographed in the country. This creative design is not only aesthetically appealing but also symbolizes prosperity and harmony. The entire infrastructure was created taking into account advanced technologies and standards to ensure maximum comfort and safety for passengers.

While waiting for your flight at Xinqiao Airport, you will not go hungry or leave without souvenirs. The terminal offers a wide selection of restaurants and cafes where you can taste both local dishes of Anhui cuisine and familiar international snacks. In addition, there are numerous shops, including Duty Free, where you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, as well as souvenir stalls with traditional Chinese goods.

For comfortable waiting, passengers can use the free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. If your gadget runs out of power, finding charging stations for electronic devices will not be difficult. For travellers who value enhanced comfort, there are business lounges and VIP lounges offering a private atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and other privileges.

Hefei Airport is equipped with everything necessary to handle financial matters. At your service are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen situations or feeling unwell, a medical centre is operating in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

Xinqiao Airport cares for all categories of passengers. For those travelling with small children, special mother and child rooms are provided where you can feed and change the baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on the necessary assistance and the availability of special infrastructure, including ramps, elevators, and equipped restrooms.

Business travellers can use the services of the business centre or rent a conference room for meetings. If you need rest between flights, there are several hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, many of which offer free transfers to the terminal. This is a convenient option for those with an early departure or a long layover.

At Xinqiao Airport in Hefei, travellers will find various dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Fast-food outlets as well as full-service restaurants offering Chinese and international cuisine are presented here. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal, both in the public area (before security check) and in the departure zone (after security).

For those who want to experience local cuisine, it is worth paying attention to restaurants specializing in traditional dishes of China. The airport is an excellent opportunity to taste authentic noodles, dumplings, or other delicacies of Anhui Province. For a quick snack, coffee shops like Starbucks or spots with sandwiches and pastries are ideal. If you have time for a full lunch, restaurants where you can enjoy a meal in a quiet atmosphere before the flight are at your service.

Generally, establishments in the departure zone stay open longer, adjusting to the flight schedule. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city, but budget-friendly options can also be found in food courts. Regarding dietary needs, vegetarians will find it easy to find dishes made from vegetables or tofu. Passengers with stricter restrictions, for example, when looking for Halal or gluten-free dishes, are recommended to contact the restaurant staff directly to clarify ingredients, as special labelling may be missing.

To ensure your journey through Xinqiao Airport in Hefei goes as smoothly as possible, use these tips. Planning is the key to a calm start or end to your trip around China.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time in case of queues. You can often check in for the flight online, which will save time at the check-in counters. However, remember that security checks at Chinese airports can be very thorough, so do not arrive at the last minute.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Be prepared for a strict check of hand luggage. Particular attention is paid to electronic devices, especially power banks. They can be carried only in hand luggage, and they must have clearly visible markings indicating the capacity (usually up to 100-160 Wh). Carrying lighters and matches is prohibited. Standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml in a container, packed in a transparent bag) also apply.

Seat Selection and Saving Money. 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 offers more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily. To save money, consider getting to the airport by public transport or book a taxi via an app after comparing prices. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher, so you can have a snack before arriving or bring allowed snacks with you.

For Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight at Xinqiao Airport, clarify in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Also, check visa requirements: a transit visa may be required for some transit routes. Counters for transit passengers will help you quickly obtain a boarding pass for the next flight.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. Monitor information on departure boards and listen to announcements. Contact your airline representative: for long delays, they are obliged to provide drinks, meals, and sometimes hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance may also cover unforeseen expenses.