On July 18, Lishui Airport officially opened, ushering in a new “aviation era” for the city. With plans to launch at least 10 routes this year, the aviation dream of Lishui’s 2.7 million residents has finally come true!

At 5:33 p.m. on July 18, the highly anticipated first arriving flight, CA1873 from Beijing Capital Airport, slowly taxied through a “water arch” created by water cannons, receiving the civil aviation industry’s highest honor—the “water salute.” After a short taxi, the plane came to a smooth stop at its designated gate, marking the successful arrival of Lishui Airport’s first commercial flight. Lishui Airport is now officially open!

After the ground crew opened the cabin door, the first group of passengers to arrive in Lishui stepped out and were welcomed with a special ceremony prepared by the airport. “I felt the warmth of the Lishui people as soon as I got off the plane; it was truly a special moment. Even before we landed, we could see how beautiful Lishui is. The airport is very modern, and I’m really looking forward to my trip here,” said a woman from Beijing.

Lishui Airport was buzzing with excitement today, with a constant flow of people in the waiting hall. Mr. Lu, a Lishui resident, said excitedly, “Today is a very meaningful day. I went to the train station early to catch a bus to the airport, and the bus was full of people heading there.”

Designed with the concept of a “bird in the mountains,” Lishui Airport is located in Nanming Mountain Subdistrict in Liandu District, about 15 kilometers in a straight line from the city center. It covers an area of 3,430 mu (approx. 565 acres) and features a new 2,800-meter-long, 45-meter-wide runway. The airport also has a 12,000-square-meter terminal building and an eight-gate apron. It can accommodate major aircraft models like the Boeing 737, Airbus 320, and the domestic C919. The current capacity is designed to handle 1 million passengers and 4,000 tons of cargo annually.

On its inaugural day, Lishui Airport launched routes to Beijing Capital Airport and Shanghai Pudong Airport. From July to October, it plans to open routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Guiyang, with additional routes to Chongqing and Chengdu planned for November, aiming for a total of 10 or more routes by the end of the year. The goal for 2026 is to expand to more than 14 routes, including to cities like Changsha and Haikou. Residents and visitors can reach the airport by airport shuttle bus, the K3 city bus, rental cars, taxis, or ride-sharing services.

Notably, Lishui Airport offers a “facial recognition” boarding process and real-time baggage tracking. It promises a quick check-in cutoff time of 20 minutes before departure and gate closure 15 minutes before, with the entire boarding process taking as little as 10 minutes. It also provides through-check services for flights connecting through Pudong.

The opening of Lishui Airport further enhances Zhejiang’s integrated transportation system and fills the civil aviation gap in the southwestern part of the province. It serves as a key hub connecting the Yangtze River Delta and the Haixi Economic Zone, expanding Zhejiang’s aviation map and creating a denser air transport network. This will accelerate the flow of talent, goods, and information between regions, providing new momentum for the province’s high-quality development and its mission to build a demonstration zone for common prosperity.