Chengdu HK/Macau/Taiwan Flights Relocate to Shuangliu Airport Terminal 1 Starting July 30 (2026) — What Travelers Must Check
Starting July 30, 2026, most Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights in Chengdu relocate from Tianfu Airport (TFU) back to the renovated Shuangliu Airport Terminal 1 (CTU). Cathay Pacific, Air China, Air Macau, Hong Kong Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines are affected. Here is exactly which airlines moved, which stayed, and how to avoid showing up at the wrong airport.
Key takeaway
Starting July 30, 2026, most Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights in Chengdu are relocating from Tianfu Airport (TFU, 50 km from downtown) back to the renovated Terminal 1 of Shuangliu Airport (CTU, 16 km from downtown). Cathay Pacific, Air China, Air Macau, Hong Kong Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines are affected. However, China Airlines and EVA Air continue to operate Taiwan flights from TFU. Travelers flying these regional routes on or after July 30 must verify which airport their specific airline now uses — showing up at the wrong airport could mean a 65 km, 60–75 minute taxi ride between the two.
Full report
What Changed
On July 30, 2026, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) resumed regional passenger service through its renovated Terminal 1, which underwent a major upgrade completed in February 2026, according to Yicai Global. The reopening effectively reverses a decision made in October 2021, when most international and regional operations were consolidated at the newly opened Tianfu Airport (TFU), 50 kilometers southeast of downtown Chengdu.
According to AeroRoutes, multiple carriers filed airport changes during the week of July 16, 2026, confirming the shift from TFU to CTU. Cathay Pacific published an official notice stating that all passengers departing Chengdu on or after July 31, 2026 must complete departure formalities at CTU Terminal 1.
This is a significant operational change for foreign travelers, because CTU is only 16 kilometers southwest of downtown Chengdu (roughly 20–30 minutes by metro or taxi), while TFU is 50 kilometers away (50–70 minutes). Showing up at the wrong airport could mean missing your flight by over an hour.
What to do next
- Check your booking confirmation for the airport code: CTU = Shuangliu (close to city), TFU = Tianfu (50 km away). 2. If your flight moved to CTU, plan your transfer via Metro Line 10 (direct to T1) or taxi (~CNY 50–70 from city center). 3. Contact your airline directly if your booking still shows TFU for flights after July 30 on affected carriers.
What may vary
Airlines may adjust specific start dates — Cathay Pacific's official date is July 31, while others begin July 30. Some seasonal or late-scheduled flights may temporarily operate from TFU during the transition window. Always verify with your airline 48–72 hours before departure.
FAQ
I booked a Cathay Pacific flight from Chengdu to Hong Kong for August 5, 2026. Which airport do I go to?
Go to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), Terminal 1. Cathay Pacific officially relocated all Chengdu departures to CTU T1 effective July 31, 2026, as confirmed on the Cathay Pacific website.
Does the 240-hour visa-free transit still work at Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU)?
Yes. Both CTU and TFU are designated ports for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The airport change does not affect your TWOV eligibility, as confirmed by the National Immigration Administration.
I have a China Airlines flight from Chengdu to Taipei. Did my airport change?
No. China Airlines (CI) continues to operate its 2 weekly Taipei Taoyuan flights from Tianfu Airport (TFU). Only Air China and Sichuan Airlines moved their Taiwan routes to CTU.