Zhenjiang Dalu Airport

Zhenjiang Dalu Airport is not the usual noisy hub with endless queues, but a unique centre for general aviation located in the picturesque Yangtze River Delta. Here, instead of the roar of giant airliners, you will hear the sound of training and private aircraft engines, as this airfield serves as a key base for pilot training and sightseeing flights. The atmosphere of this place is imbued with the spirit of aviation romance, offering travellers a chance to see China from a bird's-eye view, bypassing the hustle and bustle of large international terminals.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The airport is one of the main bases for General Aviation in East China. It specializes in pilot training, aerial photography, and emergency rescue operations rather than mass passenger transport. Due to its location in the Dalu district, it has become part of a developing aviation industrial park.

For tourists, this place is interesting for the opportunity to book a private sightseeing flight over the Yangtze Delta and the scenic surroundings. The airport infrastructure is modern and compact, ensuring maximum comfort and the absence of crowds typical of major transport hubs.

Finding direct contacts for the airport named Zhenjiang Dalu (AZJ) can be difficult, as the city of Taixing and its surroundings are served by Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (IATA: YTY). Below is the current contact information specifically for this transport hub.

• Official Website: www.yztzairport.com (site available in Chinese).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 514 8610 0000.
• Airport Address: China, Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou City, Jiangdu District, Dinggou Town. For convenience when communicating with taxi drivers, you can use the address in English: Dinggou Town, Jiangdu District, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the phone for urgent communication.
• Social Media: The airport mainly uses internal Chinese platforms such as WeChat. Official pages on popular international platforms are absent.
• Lost & Found Information: For questions related to lost items, you can contact +86 514 8610 0114.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, it is recommended to contact the main airport inquiry phone number.

Since Zhenjiang Dalu Airport focuses on general aviation and is located in a special industrial zone (Dalu General Airport Industry Park), transport connections here have their own specificities. There are no express trains or metro lines running here, so it is worth planning your route in advance. The distance from the city centre of Zhenjiang is about 25–30 km, and the journey usually takes 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most convenient and reliable way to get to the airfield. Taxis can be hailed on the street in the city or, much more conveniently, booked via popular apps in China (such as DiDi or through built-in services in Alipay/WeChat). Drivers may not know the exact location of the general aviation terminal, so it is recommended to have the airport name in Chinese (镇江大路通用机场).

The estimated cost of a trip from the centre of Zhenjiang is 60–90 RMB. If you are travelling from the Taixing area (across the Yangtze bridge), the cost and travel time will increase due to toll roads and distance.

Public Transport

There is no direct rail connection or metro line to the airport itself. However, Zhenjiang is a major railway hub.

• Train + Taxi: The optimal option for tourists from other cities. High-speed trains arrive at Zhenjiang Railway Station or Zhenjiang South. From there, the airport can only be reached by taxi.
• Bus: There are local bus routes (for example, lines going to the Dalu/New Area district), but they are rarely used by tourists due to complex logistics, frequent stops, and a lack of information in English. Travel time by bus can exceed 1.5 hours.

Car Rental and Parking

Travellers holding a Chinese driving license (international permits are not directly valid in China) can use car rental services. The road to the airport runs along high-quality expressways. Parking is provided on the airfield territory. Since passenger traffic here is low, there are usually no problems finding free spaces, and rates are significantly lower than in major international hubs.

Alternative Airports Nearby

It is important to remember that Zhenjiang Dalu does not accept scheduled passenger flights from major airlines. If your goal is to fly into the region, you should consider neighbouring civil airports, from where you can reach Zhenjiang by high-speed train or transfer:

The closest option is Changzhou Airport, located just 35 km away. Also, a convenient choice could be Yangzhou Taizhou Airport, located on the other bank of the river.

For international flights and a large selection of domestic flights, the best option is Nanjing Lukou International Airport (about 97 km away), which is the main aviation hub of Jiangsu Province. Slightly further away is Sunan Shuofang International Airport in the city of Wuxi, as well as Xingdong Airport (Nantong).

Since Zhenjiang Dalu Airport (AZJ) serves general aviation, its structure differs radically from typical passenger terminals. Here you will not find confusing passageways, multi-level car parks, or jet bridge systems. The entire complex is designed for maximum efficiency, rapid service of private flights, and training sorties.

Terminal Structure and Features

The airport has one main building functioning as a terminal and administrative centre. It is a compact modern structure where all necessary services are within walking distance of each other.

• Unified Space: Check-in, waiting, and boarding areas are often combined in one lobby or located in adjacent rooms. The separation between "airside" and "landside" zones is less strict and massive here than in commercial airports, though security control is present.
• Absence of Transit Zones: Since the airport does not accept scheduled connecting flights, transit transfers do not exist here. Navigation inside the building is intuitive: you can walk from the entrance to the reception desk and the exit to the airfield in a couple of minutes.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The specifics of general aviation dictate their own rules. Instead of numbered gates and long queues, passengers (or flight school cadets) use a direct exit to the apron.

Instead of buses or jet bridges, a walk to the aircraft accompanied by an airfield staff member is used. This adds atmosphere to the journey: you immediately find yourself next to the plane or helicopter, allowing for excellent photos before departure.

Service Features and Time

The main advantage of Zhenjiang Dalu is the absence of queues. Processes here happen rapidly:

• Check-in and Security: Usually take from 10 to 20 minutes. If you have booked a sightseeing flight, it is enough to arrive half an hour before the appointed time to undergo a safety briefing and complete the necessary documents.
• Waiting Hall: The terminal is equipped with a comfortable rest area for guests and pilots. Here you can have coffee while watching the take-offs and landings of training aircraft through panoramic windows.

Navigation Recommendations

Upon arrival at the airport, look for the main administrative building (General Aviation Service Center). Signs inside the terminal are often duplicated in English, but due to the compactness of the premises, it is impossible to get lost here. If you have arrived for a tourist flight, contact the main reception desk immediately upon entry — the staff will direct you to the appropriate instructor or pilot.

The history of Zhenjiang Dalu Airport (AZJ) is not a chronicle of centuries-old events, but a vivid example of the rapid development of modern general aviation in China. Unlike old airfields born in the era of wars, this facility was designed and built in the 21st century as part of an ambitious plan to open the "low altitude airspace" for private and commercial purposes.

Inception and Opening

The airport project started in the early 2010s, when the Jiangsu provincial government decided to create a specialized zone for general aviation in the Dalu district (Zhenjiang New Area). Construction began in September 2012. Thanks to the rapid pace of work, the main infrastructure facilities were ready by the end of 2013.

The official milestone in the airport's history is considered to be the receipt of the Permit for Use of Civil Airport in 2016, although test flights and the basing of training vessels began somewhat earlier. This made Zhenjiang Dalu the first state-owned general aviation airport in East China to receive a full package of permits in the new regulatory era.

Development Stages and Modernization

The airport's history is divided into two key construction phases, reflecting the growth in demand for private flights in the region:

• Phase I: Initially, the airport was equipped with a runway 800 metres long and 30 metres wide. This was sufficient for helicopters and small piston aircraft used for training and agricultural needs.
• Phase II (Expansion): In the late 2010s, a large-scale reconstruction project was launched. The runway was extended to 1400 metres (according to other data, planned up to 1800 m in the future), allowing the airport to accept light business jets. Aprons were expanded, and new hangars were built.

Records and Achievements

Despite its youth, Zhenjiang Dalu has managed to secure the status of a model aviation hub:

• The airport received the status of a "National Demonstration Project" in the field of general aviation. This means that service and safety standards for the entire country are tested here.
• It has become one of the busiest bases for pilot training in the region, serving thousands of training sorties annually.
• It is the only general aviation airport in Jiangsu Province that has its own customs control zone (within the framework of special events), which opens up prospects for international business aviation flights.

Interesting Facts

Curiously, the airport is located in close proximity to the Yangtze River, which historically predetermined its versatility. The complex's development plans considered creating infrastructure not only for land-based aircraft but also for seaplanes. Additionally, the airport often becomes a venue for air shows and drone exhibitions, demonstrating the latest unmanned delivery technologies that are actively being tested in China.

The infrastructure and service at Zhenjiang Dalu Airport (AZJ) differ significantly from what tourists are used to seeing in major international hubs. Since the airport serves general aviation (private flights, training flights, aviation tourism), there are no huge Duty-Free zones or food courts here. Services are focused on speed, privacy, and the comfort of pilots and their passengers.

Dining and Shops

Do not count on a full shopping spree or a gastronomic tour inside the terminal. The retail area here is kept to a minimum.

• Cafes and Restaurants: A small rest area or cafeteria usually operates within the terminal, where you can have coffee, tea, and light snacks (sandwiches, pastries) while waiting for departure. For a full meal, it is better to use restaurants in the neighbouring Industrial Park or in Zhenjiang city centre.
• Shops: Duty-Free shops are absent. You may encounter small kiosks with aviation souvenirs (aircraft models, gear) or basic travel goods. Vending machines with drinks and snacks are also installed.

Lounges and VIP Service

This is one of the strengths of a general aviation airport. Here, practically every passenger feels like a VIP client.

• Lounge Zones: Instead of noisy common waiting halls, cosy lobbies with soft furniture are provided here. The atmosphere is more reminiscent of a good hotel lobby or a private club.
• VIP Services: For private aviation clients, separate meeting rooms and zones of increased comfort are available, where pre-flight briefings can be held or one can simply relax in silence. Check-in procedures take place here on an individual basis.

Connectivity and Finance

The airport provides basic modern amenities for work and communication:

• Wi-Fi and Charging: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Waiting areas are equipped with a sufficient number of sockets and USB ports for charging gadgets, as many visitors use waiting time for work.
• Banks and Currency Exchange: There are no currency exchange points or full-service bank branches at the airport. It is recommended to withdraw cash RMB in advance or set up mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay), which are accepted everywhere, even in vending machines. An ATM may be available in the administrative area, but its presence is best checked in advance.

Medical Services and Safety

Despite its compact size, the airport strictly adheres to safety standards. The terminal has a first aid station stocked with necessary medicines for emergency situations. Staff are trained to provide pre-medical assistance.

Services for Passengers with Children and Reduced Mobility

The terminal is designed according to modern standards, making it convenient for all categories of visitors:

• Accessibility: The absence of complex passageways, stairs, and escalators, as well as the single-level layout of the building, makes the airport maximally convenient for people with disabilities and parents with strollers. Entrances are equipped with ramps, and there are specialized restrooms.
• For Children: There are no specialized playrooms, but thanks to panoramic windows overlooking the runway and the parking area for small aircraft, children are usually interested in watching planes from a close distance.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory. Since there are no regular night flights here, there is no need for capsule hotels. The nearest accommodation options are located in the Zhenjiang New Area, a 10–15 minute taxi ride away:

• Within a radius of 10–15 km, there are comfortable 4–5 star business hotels (for example, chain hotels like Crowne Plaza Zhenjiang or high-class local hotels), oriented towards business travellers and engineers of the industrial park.
• For tourists wishing to see the sights, it is better to stay in the centre of Zhenjiang (30–40 minutes drive), where the choice of hotels and hostels is significantly wider.

Business Services

Since Zhenjiang Dalu is a centre for business aviation, infrastructure for business is well developed here. Conference rooms and briefing rooms are available in the administrative building, often used for pilot training, seminars, or meetings before corporate flights.

Zhenjiang Dalu Airport (AZJ) is a regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is more modest compared to major international airports. Nevertheless, passengers can find a few options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal.

Dining options are divided between the public zone (landside, before security control) and the sterile zone (airside, after control). Typically, small cafes and shops are located in the pre-screening area, where you can have coffee and buy snacks. Main establishments offering hot meals are usually found in the departure hall after passport control. Opening hours of most food outlets are tied to the flight schedule and may be limited to morning and evening hours.

Local menus are dominated by Chinese cuisine dishes. Travellers can find eateries offering noodle soup, dumplings, and various rice dishes here. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic food of the Jiangsu region. For a quick snack, coffee shops with pastries and sandwiches are suitable, as well as small shops selling drinks, chips, and packaged snacks. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or gluten-free diets, should be prepared for limited choices. In small regional airports in China, specialized menus are not always available. It is recommended to carry suitable snacks or use a translation app to clarify ingredients with restaurant staff. Rice dishes with vegetables often prove to be the most universal option.

To ensure your journey through Zhenjiang Dalu Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, use our tips. Planning is the key to a comfortable start and end to your trip to Taixing.

Arrival Time: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing, especially during peak periods.

Check-in and Screening: If possible, complete online check-in for your flight — this will save you time at the airport. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. During screening, be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and other large electronic devices from your carry-on luggage. Security rules at airports in China can be quite strict, so follow staff instructions clearly.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane: Pay attention to seat selection during check-in. If you love admiring clouds and views during take-off and landing, choose a window seat. Those who value freedom of movement to stretch their legs or leave without disturbing neighbours will find an aisle seat suitable. Seats in the front of the cabin allow you to leave the plane faster upon arrival, while emergency exit seats usually offer more legroom but may be available for an additional fee and imply certain responsibilities.

Carry-on Luggage: It is forbidden to carry liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml in hand luggage, as well as any sharp or cutting objects. All liquids must be packed in one transparent resealable bag. Pay special attention to portable chargers (power banks) — they can be carried only in hand luggage, and they must have clear marking indicating capacity.

Passengers with Connections: If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be transferred automatically or if you need to collect and re-check it. Ensure you have enough time between flights to complete all formalities.

Customs Control: For international flights, be prepared to pass customs control. You may need to fill out a declaration if you are carrying goods subject to declaration or large sums of cash. Keep all receipts for major purchases.

Saving Time and Money: To save on the journey to or from the airport, study public transport routes and schedules in advance. Prices for food and water at the airport are traditionally higher, so you can bring an empty bottle and fill it with water at drinking fountains after passing security.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, remain calm. Monitor information on departure boards and contact your airline representative for clarification. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be offered drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation.