Suzhou is poised to welcome its first civilian airport by the end of 2026, marking a significant milestone for the bustling economic hub. Located in Changshu, approximately an hour's drive north of Suzhou, the new airport will be designated as an A1-level general airport. The facility will feature a 1,600-meter long and 45-meter wide runway, along with essential supporting infrastructure such as a terminal, control tower, hangars, and refueling facilities.
Despite being a smaller-scale airport without large commercial operations, the site holds promise for aviation consumption, flight training, and emergency rescue services. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a drone test flight field, a training base, and a dispatch center within the airport premises. However, it is unlikely to offer substantial connectivity gains for Suzhou's population of over 10 million, as the region is already surrounded by international airports in Shanghai, Wuxi, Changzhou, and Nantong.
Suzhou's economic significance cannot be overstated. As a key manufacturing powerhouse in China, the city's gross domestic product (GDP) exceeded 2.6 trillion yuan (US$355 billion) in 2024—a 6 percent increase from the previous year. The Suzhou Industrial Park, one of China's top industrial zones, celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, further underscoring the city's industrial prowess.
The new airport project has sparked lively discussions on social media platforms such as Weibo. Users have humorously suggested naming the airport "Suzhou Meiyou Airport," referencing the city's long-standing lack of an airport. This light-hearted banter highlights the anticipation and excitement surrounding the development.
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