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Xinyang Minggang

About the Airport

Xinyang Minggang. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Xinyang Minggang Airport is not just a transport hub, but an important aerial gateway connecting the scenic tea plantations of the southern Henan province with China's major metropolises. This compact and modern dual-use airport possesses a special charm, offering travellers a cosy atmosphere far from the bustle of giant hubs. Located at the junction of Xinyang and Zhumadian cities, it has become a key point for tourists wishing to enjoy the region's natural beauty and rich culture.
IATA Code XAI
ICAO Code ZHXY
City Xinyang
Distance to Centre 45 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers approx. 650,000 (2021 data)
Schedule -
### Airport Features and Advantages Despite its modest size, Xinyang Minggang Airport offers passengers thoughtful service and comfortable waiting conditions. * **Compactness and Convenience:** The terminal consists of two floors where it is easy to navigate. Thanks to the lower passenger flow, all pre-flight procedures are completed quickly and without queues. * **Boarding Features:** There are no aerobridges here, so boarding and disembarking are done by walking across the apron. This gives passengers the opportunity to see the aircraft up close and take atmospheric photos. * **Passenger Amenities:** The terminal has everything necessary: free Wi-Fi, charging stations for gadgets, a mother and baby room with cribs, as well as a shop and a small dining area on the first floor. * **Transport Accessibility:** The airport serves two cities simultaneously — Xinyang and Zhumadian. For passenger convenience, special shuttle buses operate, connecting the terminal with the Xinyang East Railway Station and the centre of Zhumadian.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Xinyang Minggang Airport (XAI). Please note that this is a regional airport, and some communication channels may be limited.

  • Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a stable official website. We recommend checking information about flights and services on the websites of airlines flying to Xinyang, or on major travel portals.
  • Helpline Phone: +86 376 383 1111. When calling from another country, please consider the international code. Knowledge of the Chinese language may be required for communication.
  • Address: Xinyang Minggang Airport, Minggang Town, Pingqiao District, Xinyang, Henan, China.
  • Email: An official email for general inquiries is not provided. It is better to use the telephone to contact airport representatives.
  • Social Media: The airport does not maintain active pages on international social networks.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If issues arise with your luggage, first contact your airline representative at the airport. If this does not help, please approach the general information desk in the terminal.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions, please contact the main airport phone number or the information desk within the terminal building.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Xinyang Minggang Airport (XAI) from the city centre of Xinyang is straightforward, as transport links are well organised. The airport is located approximately 45 kilometres from the central part of the city, and the journey will take about an hour, depending on the chosen transport. The main methods are special shuttle buses and taxis, which offer different levels of comfort and cost.

Public Transport: Shuttle Bus — this is the most economical and popular way to get to the airport. Special bus routes connect the airport with key points in the city, including major hotels and train stations. A trip on such a bus usually takes from 70 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and the route. The ticket price is low, making this option ideal for budget travellers. We recommend checking the current schedule and departure points in advance, as they may change.

Taxi or Transfer — the fastest and most convenient option. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take about 50-60 minutes. This is an excellent choice if you are travelling with large luggage or value personal comfort. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus. To avoid misunderstandings with the driver, it is recommended to have the airport name and address written in Chinese. Transfer services can be booked in advance through your hotel or online services.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement around China, there is a car rental option. However, it is worth remembering that a local driving licence is required to drive in the country. Xinyang Minggang Airport has parking where you can leave a car for both short and long periods. This is convenient for those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle.

When planning your trip, you may also consider flight options via other airports in the region. For example, the largest international hub is located in Wuhan, and closer regional airports exist in the cities of Nanyang and Fuyang, which may be a convenient alternative depending on your itinerary.

Terminals and Map

Xinyang Minggang Airport (XAI) is a modern and compact aviation hub designed for maximum passenger convenience. Currently, the airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights. Thanks to this, you do not need to worry about complex transfers or finding the right building — all processes are concentrated in one place.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. Generally, the Departure Zone is located on the upper level, accessible immediately from the main entrance. Airline check-in counters and security checkpoints are located here. The Arrival Zone is on the lower (ground) floor, where baggage claim belts and the exit to the city towards taxi stands and bus stops are located. Navigation through the terminal is facilitated by clear signage in Chinese and English.

Since the airport is relatively small, completing all pre-flight procedures usually does not take much time. Flight check-in and baggage drop-off typically proceed quickly. Passing through security takes on average from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy it is. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing, enjoy a coffee, and find your boarding gate.

For a comfortable wait for your flight, the terminal provides all necessary amenities: there are several small cafes, shops with souvenirs and travel goods, as well as spacious waiting halls with sufficient seating. Despite its compactness, Xinyang Minggang Airport leaves a pleasant impression due to its cleanliness, modern design, and service efficiency.

Airport History

The history of Xinyang Minggang Airport (XAI) is an example of modern transformation and development. Initially, this facility was exclusively a military airfield. The decision to convert it into a dual-use airport capable of serving civil flights was an important step in improving transport accessibility for the city of Xinyang and stimulating the local economy.

The main development phase began as part of plans to modernise China's infrastructure. Construction work to create the civil sector started in November 2015. The project included the construction of a new passenger terminal covering more than 15,000 square metres, capable of serving hundreds of thousands of passengers per year, as well as extending the runway to 2,700 metres to accommodate medium-haul aircraft.

A key moment in the airport's recent history was a successful test flight which took place in May 2018. The official opening of Xinyang Minggang Airport for commercial passenger transport occurred on 28 October 2018. From that day on, it began operating regular flights, connecting Xinyang with major cities across the country.

As the airport is one of the youngest in the region, its history is just beginning. Its main achievement can be considered the rapid and successful transformation from a military airfield into a modern civil aviation hub. An interesting fact is that its dual-use status remains, and it continues to play an important role in both civil aviation and the country's defence system.

Services and Amenities

Xinyang Minggang Airport (XAI) is a modern and compact regional aviation hub offering passengers a necessary set of services for a comfortable wait before their flight. The terminal's infrastructure corresponds to its size and is focused on meeting the basic needs of travellers.

You can relax before your flight in clean and comfortable waiting lounges. To have a snack or a coffee, several small cafes offering local and popular snacks are at your service. The terminal also has shops where you can purchase necessities, beverages, and souvenirs.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations allow for charging mobile devices. For travellers with children, a mother and baby room is provided where you can care for your little one in a quiet environment. A medical point is also in operation within the terminal to provide first aid.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance with moving around the terminal if you inform them of your needs in advance.

Dining

Xinyang Minggang Airport (XAI) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection may not be as extensive as in major international hubs, you can find both fast food outlets and a la carte restaurants here.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal, both in the public area (before security control) and in the "airside" departure zone. Typically, the main selection of establishments is located after passport control and security screening, directly near the boarding gates. Here, travellers can relax while waiting for their flight.

For those looking for a quick bite, cafes serve coffee, the famous local Xinyang Maojian tea, pastries, and sandwiches. Shops with packaged snacks and drinks are also usually present. If you have more time, it is worth visiting one of the restaurants offering Chinese cuisine. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic Henan province dishes before leaving China.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian dishes in Chinese cuisine restaurants is usually not difficult — these can be vegetable side dishes, tofu dishes, or rice. However, stricter restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes) may present difficulties. It is recommended to clarify ingredients with staff or carry suitable snacks with you.

Food prices at Xinyang Minggang Airport, as in most airports worldwide, are higher than the city average. Opening hours for dining establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the last aircraft departs. For a full lunch, restaurants in the departure zone are best, while for a quick coffee or sandwich, cafes in the public part of the terminal are suitable.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Xinyang Minggang Airport goes smoothly and without hassle, please use our tips. Planning is the key to a calm start and end to your trip, especially in such a busy transport hub of China.

Arrival Time: To comfortably complete all formalities, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security without rushing, especially during peak seasons.

Check-in and Security Control: If possible, complete online check-in — this will save you time in queues. Prepare your identification and boarding pass in advance. When passing through security, be ready to remove laptops, tablets, power banks, and liquid containers from your hand luggage. In China, strict rules apply to the transport of batteries: the capacity marking must be clearly visible on them.

Hand Luggage: Standard restrictions prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects. All liquids must be packed in a single transparent bag. Power banks can only be carried in hand luggage; checking them into hold luggage is prohibited.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If the view from the window is important to you, choose a window seat. For those who value freedom of movement, an aisle seat is more suitable. Passengers with short layovers in Xinyang are advised to study the airport map in advance and check with the airline whether luggage needs to be collected and re-checked.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations: To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance through official apps. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and boarding passes, as they may be needed to claim compensation.

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