Nestled just 7.5 kilometers from downtown Luoding City in Guangdong Province, Luoding Airport carries a legacy as China's first low-altitude route airport—a story of resilience that mirrors the region's economic transformation.
From Vision to Reality (1990-1991)
After securing government approval on December 20, 1990, for its conversion from a general aviation facility, construction commenced on March 20, 1991. Workers battled southern China's subtropical climate to complete the project in record time. The municipally-funded mountain airport celebrated its inaugural flight on November 28, 1991, becoming a national model for county-level aviation infrastructure.
Taking Flight (1992-1996)
Upgraded to a 3-B category civil transport airport in 1992, Luoding entered its golden era. The 1993 launch of Saab 340 aircraft on the Luoding-Shenzhen route (with weekly service) symbolized modernization for this mountainous region. For local residents, the aircraft contrails represented more than transportation—they were vapor trails of economic hope.
Turbulence and Grounding (1997-2011)
The late 1990s brought market consolidation that sidelined regional aircraft. By 1997, with dwindling demand and no commercial flights, the airport entered operational hibernation. Yet Luoding's authorities maintained the facility, anticipating aviation's eventual return.
Resurgence (2012-Present)
The 2012 Zhuhai-Yangjiang-Luoding air route announcement sparked renewed interest. Airlines began scouting investment opportunities, recognizing the region's untapped potential. When service officially resumed in June 2014, the airport became an economic catalyst—boosting tourism, logistics, and regional connectivity.
Today, Luoding Airport serves as a case study in adaptive infrastructure. From its pioneering low-altitude origins to its current role in regional development, the facility demonstrates how strategic aviation investments can uplift rural economies. With plans for expanded routes and services, this Guangdong phoenix continues its ascent.
