Nestled in Meilong Subdistrict of Guichi District, Chizhou City, Anhui Province, Jiuhuashan Airport (IATA: JUH, ICAO: ZSJH) has emerged as a vital transportation hub connecting eastern China's coastal regions with inland areas. The modern civil airport, strategically positioned just 20 km from downtown Chizhou and the famous Jiuhuashan Buddhist scenic area, has become a catalyst for regional economic development and tourism expansion.
Strategic Development and Planning
The airport's origins trace back to 2005 when it was included in China's Civil Aviation Transportation Airport Layout and 11th Five-Year Construction Plan , marking it as a provincial priority project. This designation reflected the national strategy to enhance regional connectivity while boosting economic growth. Located just 3 km from the Yangtze River in the heart of Anhui's Jiangnan Industrial Concentration Zone, the airport serves as a critical node in China's comprehensive transportation network.
Development occurred in two phases, with initial targets set for 2020: handling 500,000 passengers, 2,500 tons of cargo, and 6,329 aircraft movements annually. Long-term projections estimate 1.45 million passengers, 12,200 tons of cargo, and 16,721 aircraft movements by 2040.
Modern Infrastructure
Spanning 2400 acres (about 160 hectares), the airport features 4C-class flight zone facilities capable of accommodating Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series aircraft. Its 11,700-square-meter terminal complements a 2,400-meter runway with 400-meter expansion capacity, equipped with Category I precision approach landing systems for enhanced safety.
Network Expansion and Economic Impact
Since commencing operations on July 29, 2013, Jiuhuashan Airport has established routes to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, achieving an average 75% seat occupancy rate. Future plans include expanding to Shenzhen, Xi'an, and Wuhan, with international routes under consideration to strengthen global connections.
2014 operational data showed strong performance: 2,792 flight movements serving 221,800 passengers, demonstrating the airport's growing importance in regional transportation.
A Vision for the Future
As Chizhou's first civil airport, Jiuhuashan represents more than transportation infrastructure—it symbolizes the city's economic ambitions. By improving accessibility to the UNESCO-listed Jiuhuashan mountain and facilitating business exchanges, the airport continues to shape Anhui's development narrative. With rigorous safety protocols and passenger service standards, the facility stands poised to become a key player in China's aviation network, bridging coastal and inland economies while elevating Chizhou's global profile.
