Beyond its wartime heritage and Minnan cultural charm, Kinmen's first impression for visitors is often its critical transportation hub—the Shangyi Airport. More than just an airstrip, this facility serves as an economic lifeline and a subtle thread connecting cross-strait relations.
Officially designated by the IATA code KNH, Kinmen Shangyi Airport operates as a dual-use civilian-military facility under Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration. Situated in Shangyi Village within the island county's Jinhu Township, the airport has facilitated regional connectivity since its 1987 inauguration, accumulating decades of passenger transit memories.
Infrastructure and Operations
Perched 28 meters above sea level, the airport features a 3,001-meter primary runway complemented by a 2,434-meter parallel taxiway. Its operational capacity is supported by expansive facilities including a 47,100-square-meter apron, a 10,593-square-meter terminal complex, and dedicated cargo and parking areas totaling 12,109 square meters.
Current flight networks focus on domestic routes, with regular passenger and cargo services linking Kinmen to major Taiwanese cities including Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Carriers such as Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air maintain scheduled operations, collectively handling approximately 1.2 million annual passenger movements.
Economic and Social Impact
The airport's significance extends beyond transportation logistics. By enabling efficient tourist access, it has become instrumental in promoting Kinmen's cultural heritage and natural attractions. Commercial activity and supply chain efficiency have similarly benefited, with the facility serving as an aerial conduit for goods and services between Taiwan's mainland and outlying islands.
As both a practical necessity and symbolic connection point, Kinmen Shangyi Airport remains an indispensable component of the region's infrastructure—one that continues to shape the island's development trajectory while preserving its unique geopolitical position.