Huai'an Lianshui Airport

Huai'an Lianshui Airport is not merely a transport hub, but an air gateway to one of the historical centres of Jiangsu Province, the home of the famous Huaiyang cuisine. Located near the Grand Canal, this modern air harbour welcomes travellers with well-thought-out infrastructure and a calm atmosphere, distinguishing it favourably from congested metropolises. The airport serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage and sites associated with Zhou Enlai.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Despite its compact size, Huai'an Lianshui Airport offers a high level of service and comfort. Passengers appreciate the absence of huge queues typical of large hubs, allowing for quick and stress-free completion of all pre-flight procedures. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for waiting for a flight, including cosy rest areas and shops with local souvenirs. Thanks to its convenient location and established transport links (shuttle buses and taxis), you can reach the city centre or the neighbouring Lianshui County in just 30–40 minutes.

If you need to contact representatives of Huai'an Lianshui Airport (HIA) in Huai'an, please use the following contact information. We recommend checking the official website for the most current data, as it may change.

• Official Website: Generally, the most accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the airport's official website. Search for `www.halairport.com`. Please note that the primary language of the site may be Chinese.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For information regarding flights, services, and airport operations, you can call: +86 517 8225 8114. Please consider the international dialling format and the potential language barrier.
• Airport Address: Lianshui County, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China. The airport is located in Lianshui County, northeast of the city centre.
• Email: A public email for general questions is rarely listed. It is recommended to use contact forms on the official website (if available) or the telephone for communication.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact the baggage tracing service at: +86 517 8225 8120 or approach your airline's counter at the airport.
• Social Media: Airports in China often use local platforms such as WeChat. Links to official accounts can usually be found on their website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general passenger support inquiries, please use the main inquiry service phone number.

Getting to Huai'an Lianshui Airport (HIA) from the city centre of Huai'an is quite simple, as it is conveniently located and connected to the city by several modes of transport. The airport is situated approximately 22 kilometres northeast of the central part of the city, and the journey, depending on the chosen method, will take from 30 minutes to an hour.

Public Transport: Airport Express and Buses

The most economical way to get to the airport is to use special shuttle buses (Airport Express). In China, this system is well developed. Routes usually connect the airport with key points in the city, such as the central bus station and major hotels. The bus journey will take about 50-70 minutes, depending on the route and traffic conditions. The ticket price is generally low, making this option ideal for budget travellers. We recommend checking the current schedule and departure points in advance, as they may change.

Taxi and Transfer

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the optimal choice. The trip from central Huai'an to the airport will take approximately 30-40 minutes excluding traffic jams. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus, but this is compensated by convenience, especially if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage. Always use official taxis and ensure the driver switches on the meter. Another convenient option is to book a private transfer in advance. This eliminates the need to look for a car on the spot and allows you to fix the cost of the trip.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to move actively around the region, you can rent a car. However, it is worth remembering that foreign tourists often require a local driving licence to drive in China, and an international permit may not be valid. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided within the terminal territory. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are leaving the car for the duration of your trip.

Huai'an Lianshui Airport (HIA) in Huai'an is a modern and compact aviation hub. It consists of one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to such a simple structure, it is very easy to navigate the airport: all key zones are located in one building, and passengers do not need to move between different blocks.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The building has two main levels: the Arrivals area is located on the ground floor, and the Departures area, including check-in counters and baggage drop-off points, is on the first floor. This separation of flows makes the stay at the airport comfortable. Navigation is facilitated by clear signs in Chinese and English, as well as information boards with the current flight schedule.

For departing passengers, the process is organised sequentially. Upon arriving at the airport, you need to go up to the first floor. That is where the check-in and baggage drop-off counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers go through security control (and for international flights — passport control as well) to enter the waiting lounges with shops and cafes. Arriving passengers, conversely, descend to the ground floor after exiting the aircraft. There, they pass through border control (if the flight is international) and proceed to the baggage claim area.

Generally, completing all formalities at Huai'an Airport takes less time than in major aviation hubs of China. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport with time to spare: 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours before an international one. This will be sufficient to go through all procedures without haste. Always check the information on the screens — the boarding gate number may change.

Huai'an Lianshui Airport (HIA) is a relatively young but rapidly developing aviation hub in China. Its history is a vivid example of the region's modern economic growth. The official opening of the airport took place on September 26, 2010. Originally designed as a domestic 4C class airport, it was intended to improve transport accessibility for the city of Huai'an and the surrounding territories of Jiangsu Province.

Due to the rapid growth of passenger flow and cargo turnover, the need for expansion arose just a few years after opening. The first major stage of modernisation began in the mid-2010s. Within the framework of this project, the runway was extended, a new, more spacious terminal was built, and the airport itself received international status and was upgraded to class 4D. This allowed it to accommodate larger aircraft and launch flights outside the country, which became a key event in its history.

The airport's main achievement can be considered its phenomenal growth rate. In a short period, it transformed from a modest regional airfield into an important transport hub serving millions of passengers a year. The reconstruction, completed in 2018, significantly increased its capacity and level of comfort for travellers, adding new jet bridges, waiting lounges, and commercial zones.

Interesting fact: Huai'an Lianshui Airport was built from scratch in record time — less than two years from the start of construction in 2008 to the first flight in 2010. Today, it continues to develop, playing an important role in logistics and tourism appeal of eastern China, serving as a clear symbol of the region's dynamic development.

Huai'an Lianshui Airport (HIA) offers its guests a range of modern services and amenities to make the waiting time for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. The terminal provides all conditions for both relaxation and handling business matters.

You can refresh yourself before a flight in one of the cafes or restaurants, which serve dishes of both Chinese and general cuisine. If you wish to shop, stores with souvenirs, travel essentials, cosmetics, and local products are at your service. This is an excellent opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or something to remember your trip by.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Numerous charging stations for electronic devices with sockets and USB ports will allow you not to worry about your gadgets' battery levels. Passengers preferring privacy and enhanced comfort can use the services of business lounges and VIP lounges, where snacks, beverages, and a calmer atmosphere are offered.

The airport operates bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where you can settle financial matters. In case of feeling unwell, there is a medical post in the terminal ready to provide first aid.

For family travellers, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can change and feed a baby in comfortable conditions. The airport is also fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped toilets here, and staff are ready to provide necessary assistance and accompaniment upon prior request.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport premises, several hotels of various comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity. This is a convenient option for transit passengers or those with an early departure. Basic business services may be available for business travellers, but for organising large events or using conference halls, it is recommended to contact the airport administration in advance.

At Huai'an Lianshui Airport (HIA), passengers can find several dining options to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight. The main catering establishments are located in the main terminal both in the public area (before security control) and in the sterile departure zone.

For those wishing to experience local gastronomy, it is worth paying attention to restaurants offering dishes of Huaiyang cuisine, which is one of the four great culinary traditions of China. Here you can try traditional soups, stewed meat dishes, and fresh river fish. If you prefer something more familiar, the airport also has cafes and fast-food outlets serving sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and noodles. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city of Huai'an.

Restaurants for a full lunch or dinner are mainly located in the departure zone after passport control. For a quick snack, small cafes and kiosks located both before and after the screening zone are suitable. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, so they are open from early morning until the last plane departs.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. However, many restaurants have vegetarian options on the menu, for example, vegetable and tofu dishes. It is recommended to carefully study the menu or clarify the ingredients with the staff before ordering.

To ensure your journey through Huai'an Lianshui Airport in Huai'an is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, please consider our advice. Plan your arrival at the airport in advance: for domestic flights within China, it is recommended to allow at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — about 3 hours. This time will be enough to calmly go through all pre-flight formalities, especially during peak hours.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters and proceed immediately to the baggage drop-off or security screening. Before passing through security control, prepare your boarding pass and passport in advance. Liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large gadgets must be removed from bags for scanning.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and quick access to the exit. Be attentive to hand luggage regulations. China has strict restrictions on carrying lithium-ion batteries and power banks — they can be carried only in hand luggage, and their capacity must not exceed established limits. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-register your luggage. Leave enough time between flights, especially if passport and customs control are required. When passing through customs, be ready to declare goods if their value exceeds established norms. It is recommended to familiarise yourself with China's customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

To save money at the airport, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security. You can also bring light snacks that are permitted for carriage. Study transfer options from the airport to the city: often public transport or a pre-booked shuttle turns out to be significantly cheaper than a taxi.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for current information and instructions. Depending on the length of the delay, the carrier may provide vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses if you have travel insurance covering such cases. The main thing is to remain calm and be aware of your rights as a passenger.