Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is not just a major transport hub, but the main aerial gateway to the scenic Fujian province in south-eastern China. Located on an island, it welcomes travellers with stunning coastal views even before landing. As one of the country's busiest airports and the base for XiamenAir, Gaoqi is renowned for its efficiency, modern infrastructure, and passenger convenience. This makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the amazing city of Xiamen and its surroundings.

Gaoqi Airport is valued by travellers for its high level of comfort and thoughtful organisation. It consists of two modern terminals: T3, which serves international flights and hub airline flights, and T4, designed for the majority of domestic flights. The terminal building attracts attention with its architecture featuring a recognisable roof resembling the curves of a traditional Chinese pagoda. Inside, passengers will find clear navigation, cleanliness, numerous shops including Duty Free outlets, as well as various cafes and restaurants. One of the airport's key advantages is its excellent transport accessibility: you can reach the city centre quickly and conveniently via BRT express buses, taxis, or special shuttles.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.xiamenairport.com.cn. The site is available in Chinese and English.
• Inquiry Hotline: +86-592-96363. This is a 24-hour hotline for flight information, airport services, and general support.
• Airport Address: 1 Xiangyun Road, Huli District, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the phone or feedback forms on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: Main communication channels are maintained on popular Chinese platforms such as WeChat. Links and QR codes for subscription are usually posted on the official website.
• Lost and Found: If you have lost items within the terminal, contact the "Lost and Found" service at +86-592-5706948. For lost luggage after a flight, you should primarily contact your airline's representative office.
• Passenger Support Service: For most questions, you can call the general inquiry hotline at +86-592-96363. Information desks are also located throughout the terminals.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) has excellent transport links with the city, allowing tourists to reach the terminals easily and quickly. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and available time, you can choose from several convenient travel methods.

Public Transport

This is the most popular and economical way to get to the airport in Xiamen.

• Metro: The fastest and most reliable option. Line 1 of the Xiamen Metro directly connects the city centre with the airport, with stations at terminals T3 and T4. The journey from central stations, such as Zhenhai Road, takes about 30 minutes. This is an excellent way to avoid city traffic, especially during peak hours.
• Buses and BRT: Numerous city bus routes and special Airport Express shuttles travel to the airport, connecting it with various districts of the city, including the ferry terminal and railway stations. The cost of a city bus ride is very low. You can also use the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system by transferring to a connecting route to the airport.

Taxi and Transfer

Taking a taxi is a convenient and fast way to get to the airport, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or family. The trip from the city centre usually takes 20-30 minutes, but may take longer due to traffic. The average cost is around 40–60 RMB. It is recommended to use official metered taxis or book a car through popular apps in China. For maximum comfort, you can pre-book a private transfer to pick you up from your hotel at a designated time.

Car Rental and Parking

If you prefer to move around independently, you can rent a car. However, please note that for driving in China, foreign tourists are most often required to obtain a temporary Chinese driving license, which may involve additional formalities. Gaoqi Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking. This is a convenient option if you are driving to the airport in a private vehicle and plan to leave it for the duration of your trip, though costs can be high for long-term storage.

Our tip: For most tourists, the metro is the optimal choice, combining speed, predictability, and low cost. If comfort is your priority and you wish to avoid transfers with luggage, feel free to choose a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) consists of two main passenger terminals: Terminal 3 (T3) and Terminal 4 (T4). It is important to check in advance which terminal your flight departs from, as they are located in separate buildings and serve different destinations.

Terminal 3 (T3) is historically the main terminal of the airport. Today, it serves all international flights, as well as flights to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Additionally, domestic flights by XiamenAir and China Southern Airlines operate from T3. The terminal features a wide selection of Duty Free shops, restaurants, and cafes offering international and Asian cuisine.

Terminal 4 (T4) is a more modern and compact terminal, opened to relieve the main passenger flow. It is designed exclusively for handling domestic flights of most Chinese airlines, with the exception of XiamenAir and China Southern. Despite its smaller size, it also has everything necessary: waiting areas, dining outlets, and shops.

Navigation and Transfers Between Terminals:

Terminals T3 and T4 are not connected by pedestrian walkways. A free shuttle bus operates to move passengers between them. The journey takes about 5-10 minutes, and buses depart every 10-20 minutes depending on the time of day. Shuttle stops are easy to find via signs at the exits of the arrival zones of both terminals. The airport layout is standard: arrival zones are on the lower floors, while departure zones with check-in counters are on the upper floors. Signs are duplicated in English, simplifying navigation.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure to complete check-in and security checks, and for domestic flights — 1.5–2 hours before. This time is usually sufficient to go through all formalities without rushing, even during peak hours. Always check your flight and terminal information on your ticket or the airline's website to avoid confusion and unnecessary movement around the airport.

The history of Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is a vivid example of the rapid development of modern China. The airport was officially opened on 22 October 1983, becoming one of the first aviation hubs in the country built with foreign capital — a loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development was used for its creation. Its emergence was closely linked to the establishment of one of the first Special Economic Zones in Xiamen, and the airport immediately became a key infrastructure project that opened the region to international investment and tourism.

The first significant phase of expansion occurred in the mid-1990s. Due to rapidly growing passenger traffic, a new Terminal 3 was commissioned in 1996 (currently serving international flights, as well as flights to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan). This step allowed the airport to strengthen its position as an important aviation hub in the southeast of the country and become the main base for XiamenAir.

One of the most important historical events for Gaoqi Airport was the establishment of direct air links across the Taiwan Strait. In the early 2000s, the first charter flights to Taiwan began operating from here, which was a real breakthrough and significantly simplified the movement of people and cargo. This strengthened Xiamen's status as a major centre for relations with Taiwan.

To meet constantly growing demands, the airport underwent another large-scale modernisation. In December 2014, the modern and spacious Terminal 4 was opened, designed to serve domestic flights. This allowed for the separation of passenger flows, increasing capacity and service quality. Today, Gaoqi consistently ranks among the busiest airports in China, serving tens of millions of passengers annually.

Interesting fact: despite its modernity and efficiency, the history of Gaoqi Airport is approaching a new chapter. Currently, the construction of the giant new Xiamen Xiang'an Airport is underway on an artificial island. Upon its opening, it will take over all flights, and Gaoqi will likely be repurposed, concluding its glorious history as the city's main aerial gateway.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Here you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can taste both local Fujian cuisine and familiar international dishes. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, and alcohol, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy traditional Chinese goods and gifts.

Spacious halls with comfortable seating are equipped for comfortable waiting in the airport. Business class passengers and loyalty program members can use the services of VIP lounges, offering a higher level of comfort, complimentary snacks, and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected.

It is easy to handle financial matters at Xiamen Gaoqi Airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of feeling unwell, a medical centre operates within the terminal, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid at any time of day.

Travellers with children will appreciate the availability of specially equipped mother and child rooms, furnished with everything necessary for baby care. For passengers with reduced mobility, all amenities are provided, including ramps, lifts, special restrooms, and assistance services, which are recommended to be booked in advance through your airline.

Business travellers can utilise business centres and conference rooms for meetings or work. If you have a long layover or an early departure, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, many of which offer free transfers to the terminals.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) offers passengers diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Restaurants, cafes, and eateries are located in both terminals (T3 and T4), both in public zones (landside) and departure zones after security control (airside).

For those wishing to experience local gastronomy before departure, the airport has restaurants offering Fujian cuisine. This is an excellent opportunity to try the famous Xiamen Satay noodles (Sha Cha Mian), dim sum, or other regional delicacies. Such establishments are usually located in the departure zone and offer full service, which is ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner while waiting for a flight.

If you prefer something more familiar, popular international fast-food chains such as McDonald's, KFC, and Starbucks operate at Xiamen airport. They are a great choice for a quick snack or breakfast. Coffee shops offer a wide range of beverages, pastries, and sandwiches. These establishments are conveniently located in both arrival and departure zones, allowing for a bite to eat at any time.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarians will be able to find suitable dishes in most Chinese restaurants — usually, the menu includes options with vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu. Finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes might be more challenging, so it is recommended to study the menu carefully and clarify ingredients with the staff. The price range at the airport varies from moderate at fast-food outlets to higher at full-service restaurants.

Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last flights. Some cafes and fast-food points may be open 24 hours. For a full meal, restaurants in the departure zone (airside) are best suited, while for a quick coffee or sandwich, cafes in the public zone (landside) or small kiosks near the gates are ideal.

To ensure your journey through Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of these helpful tips. Thoughtful planning will help save time, money, and nerves, making the start or end of your trip to Xiamen as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours before. This time is sufficient to calmly go through all procedures. To save time, check in for your flight online if your airline provides such an option. Keep your passport, visa, and boarding pass handy for quick checks at the check-in counter and before security control.

Passing Security and Hand Luggage. Security checkpoints can be busy, especially during peak hours. Be prepared in advance to remove all metal items from your pockets, and take laptops and other large electronics out of your bag. Remember the strict rules for carrying liquids: no more than 100 ml in one container, packed in a transparent bag. Particular attention in China is paid to power banks: they can only be carried in hand luggage, and the capacity marking must be clearly visible on the casing. Devices without marking or exceeding the limit may be confiscated.

Tips for Transit Passengers. If you have a layover in Xiamen, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and re-check it for the next flight. The airport has comfortable rest areas and numerous cafes. If the time between flights permits, and you have the appropriate visa, you can briefly visit the city. Customs control for international flights is standard: follow the signs to the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, or to the "Red Channel" if you are bringing in goods subject to declaration.

Choosing a Seat and Delays. When checking in online, you will have a better chance of choosing a convenient seat. Aisle seats are convenient for those who want to stand up freely, while window seats are for those who love admiring the views. Emergency exit seats usually offer more legroom. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (meals, drinks). Gaoqi Airport offers free Wi-Fi, shops, and restaurants to help pass the waiting time.