XiamenAir

ICAO: CXA Active as of Dec 11, 2025

457

Active Routes

4354

Flight Observations

79

Unique Destinations

96

Origin Airports

914

Avg Route Distance (mi)

7765

Longest Route (mi)

0

Domestic Routes

100

International Routes
About XiamenAir

Xiamen Airlines (ICAO: CXA), branded as XiamenAir, is a prominent airline based in Xiamen, Fujian, China, renowned for its extensive network and commitment to service.

Xiamen Airlines was founded on July 25, 1984, making it China's first airline to operate independently as an enterprise. It was established as a joint venture between the Shanghai Administration of Civil Aviation Administration of China, Xiamen Special Economic Zone Construction Development Company (now Xiamen C&D Group), and Fujian Investment Enterprise Company. The airline's current ownership structure includes China Southern Airlines Corporation (55%), Xiamen C&D Group (34%), and Fujian Investment and Development Group (11%).

The airline's primary operational base and main hub is Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) in Xiamen, Fujian Province. It also maintains secondary hubs at Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), along with a northern headquarters in Beijing and several other branches across China. As of late 2023, XiamenAir operates a fleet of approximately 156 to 177 aircraft, with an average age of nine years. Historically known for an all-Boeing fleet, XiamenAir diversified its aircraft types by introducing Airbus A321neos in October 2022. The fleet primarily consists of Boeing 737s (including 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8 variants) and Boeing 787 Dreamliners (787-8 and 787-9).

Xiamen Airlines operates a comprehensive route network, serving around 400 domestic and international routes with 3,500 to 4,000 flights per week. As of November 2025, it connects to 68 domestic and 33 international destinations across 21 countries. Its network spans across China, with a significant presence in Southeast and Northeast Asia, and extends to intercontinental destinations in Europe, North America, and Oceania, including cities like Amsterdam, Sydney, New York, and Los Angeles. Xiamen Airlines is a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance, having joined on November 21, 2012, as its 19th member, enhancing its global connectivity. The airline offers various cabin classes, including First Class (with Business Class seating on domestic routes), Business Class, and Economy Class. Notable services on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners include 180-degree lie-flat seats in First and Business Class, personal TV entertainment systems with charging outlets and USB ports, and in-flight Wi-Fi on some 787-9 aircraft. Other offerings include the Egret Miles frequent flyer program, in-flight cabin upgrades, and special services for unaccompanied minors and birthday celebrations.

What Travelers Say

Recent traveler reviews for Xiamen Airlines reflect a mixed but generally appreciative sentiment, often highlighting the airline's value proposition.

What Travelers Love:

  • Value for Money: Many travelers praise Xiamen Airlines for its competitive pricing, especially on long-haul international routes, which can include perks like free transit hotel accommodations during long layovers.
  • Cabin Crew and Service: The cabin crew is frequently commended for being friendly, attentive, and providing excellent service, particularly in Business Class and on longer flights.
  • Cleanliness and Punctuality: Several reviews mention clean cabins and a good record of flights departing and arriving on time.

Common Complaints:

  • Language Barrier: A significant recurring complaint, especially from non-Chinese speakers, is the difficulty in communication due to a lack of English proficiency among some ground staff and occasionally cabin crew.
  • Customer Service and Irregular Operations: Issues include challenges with online check-in for foreign passengers, receiving unconventional e-ticket confirmations, and unsatisfactory handling of flight cancellations or rescheduling, sometimes with insufficient communication or alternative solutions.
  • Inconsistent Cabin Experience/Amenities: Some travelers, even in Business Class, have reported a basic in-flight experience with limited food choices, warm beverages, absence of wine, or a lack of in-seat entertainment, indicating variability in service and amenities compared to other international carriers. There are also mentions of baggage mishandling and passengers on the same booking being seated separately.

Overall, Xiamen Airlines is often seen as a good-value option, particularly for budget-conscious travelers on international routes, largely due to its affordability and the generally pleasant service from its cabin crew. However, passengers, especially those unfamiliar with Chinese travel norms, should be prepared for potential language barriers and occasional inconsistencies in customer service and in-flight amenities.

Safety Information

Xiamen Airlines maintains a strong and recognized safety record within the aviation industry. As of August 2025, the airline has accumulated over 9.35 million safe flight hours, demonstrating 476 consecutive months of flight safety and 380 consecutive months of aviation security. This impressive record positions them as a leader in civil aviation safety operations in China.

Regarding notable incidents:

  • On October 2, 1990, Xiamen Airlines Flight 8301, a Boeing 737-200, was hijacked shortly after takeoff from Xiamen and subsequently collided with two other aircraft upon landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, resulting in 128 fatalities.
  • More recently, on August 16, 2018, XiamenAir Flight 8667, a Boeing 737-800, experienced a runway excursion during landing in heavy monsoon rains at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but all 165 passengers and crew survived without serious injuries. The incident was attributed to pilot error.

Xiamen Airlines successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December 2004, becoming the 17th airline globally to achieve this significant regulatory certification. While specific information on direct FAA compliance or status on the EU safety list was not found, IOSA registration is an internationally recognized benchmark for operational safety. The airline's fleet, which includes Boeing 737s and 787s, and more recently Airbus A321neos, has an average age of nine years as of late 2023. Maintenance records for the aircraft involved in the 2018 Manila incident confirmed it was maintained according to Boeing standards and possessed a valid airworthiness certificate.

Overall, Xiamen Airlines has a robust safety assessment based on available data, marked by an exemplary long-term safety record and adherence to international operational standards. The airline has received numerous safety awards and recognitions, including being named the "Best Airline" by Chinese passengers for 10 consecutive years. In March 2016, it was honored with the China Quality Award, the first enterprise in China's service industry and the sole airline in Chinese civil aviation to receive this prestigious recognition. Furthermore, Xiamen Airlines has consistently been recognized by the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) as a "World Class Airline" for four consecutive years since 2022, being the only Chinese carrier to achieve this distinction. This award considers safety standards as a critical evaluation criterion, further solidifying its reputation for operational excellence. They also received the APEX "Best Cabin Service" award.

Content generated by AI based on web research • Updated 2 weeks, 1 day ago
Route Network Map
Most Popular Routes
HSN → JJN
Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport → Quanzhou Jinjiang
424 miles
75 flights
B738
66 flights
B737
JJN → SHA
Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport → Shanghai Hongqiao Int'l
473 miles
63 flights
B738
51 flights
B738
WMT → HGH
Zunyi Maotai Airport → Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
868 miles
48 flights
B738
JJN → CKG
Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport → Chongqing Jiangbei Int'l
809 miles
48 flights
B738
47 flights
B738
43 flights
B38M
LZO → PKX
Luzhou Yunlong Airport → Beijing Daxing International Airport
968 miles
43 flights
B738
JJN → CSX
Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport → Changsha Huanghua Int'l
407 miles
43 flights
B738
Top Destinations
XMN (ZSAM)
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
655 flights
60 routes
FOC (ZSFZ)
Fuzhou Changle Int'l
Fuzhou
380 flights
41 routes
HGH (ZSHC)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
378 flights
28 routes
CSX (ZGHA)
Changsha Huanghua Int'l
Changsha
240 flights
19 routes
JJN (ZSQZ)
Quanzhou Jinjiang
Quanzhou
231 flights
19 routes
PKX (ZBAD)
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
201 flights
17 routes
CKG (ZUCK)
Chongqing Jiangbei Int'l
Chongqing
192 flights
14 routes
SZX (ZGSZ)
Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l
Shenzhen
137 flights
7 routes
SHA (ZSSS)
Shanghai Hongqiao Int'l
Shanghai
126 flights
9 routes
TSN (ZBTJ)
Tianjin Binhai Int'l
Tianjin
123 flights
14 routes
Top Origin Airports
JJN (ZSQZ)
Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport
Quanzhou
584 flights
26 routes
HGH (ZSHC)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Hangzhou
435 flights
36 routes
PKX (ZBAD)
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
243 flights
17 routes
INC (ZLIC)
Yinchuan Hedong International Airport
Yinchuan
230 flights
15 routes
FOC (ZSFZ)
Fuzhou Changle International Airport
Fuzhou (Changle)
168 flights
36 routes
LZO (ZULZ)
Luzhou Yunlong Airport
Luzhou (Yunlong)
155 flights
6 routes
CKG (ZUCK)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
Chongqing
149 flights
15 routes
SZX (ZGSZ)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Shenzhen (Bao'an)
143 flights
11 routes
CAN (ZGGG)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Guangzhou (Huadu)
141 flights
7 routes
CGO (ZHCC)
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
Zhengzhou
141 flights
9 routes
Top Border Crossing Flights
XMN (ZSAM)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Xiamen, CN
655 flights
60 routes
FOC (ZSFZ)
Fuzhou Changle International Airport
Fuzhou, CN
380 flights
41 routes
HGH (ZSHC)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Hangzhou, CN
378 flights
28 routes
JJN (ZSQZ)
Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport
Quanzhou, CN
231 flights
19 routes
CKG (ZUCK)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
Chongqing, CN
192 flights
14 routes
Longest Routes
JFK → FOC
John F Kennedy International Airport → Fuzhou Changle Int'l
7765 mi
JFK → HGH
John F Kennedy International Airport → Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
7465 mi
LAX → XMN
Los Angeles International Airport → Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
6959 mi
JFK → NRT
John F Kennedy International Airport → Narita Int'l
6737 mi
YVR → XMN
Vancouver International Airport → Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
6369 mi
Shortest Routes
FOC → TPE
Fuzhou Changle International Airport → Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l
115 mi
TPE → FOC
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport → Fuzhou Changle Int'l
115 mi
FOC → TSA
Fuzhou Changle International Airport → Taipei Songshan
132 mi
TSA → FOC
Taipei Songshan Airport → Fuzhou Changle Int'l
132 mi
GYU → XIY
Guyuan Liupanshan Airport → Xi'an Xianyang Int'l
182 mi
All Routes
457 Total Routes
Showing 25 most popular routes
Route Destination Flights Distance Aircraft Last Seen
HSN → JJN Quanzhou Jinjiang
Quanzhou
75 424 mi B738 Dec 10, 2025
CGO → XMN Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
66 736 mi B737 Dec 9, 2025
JJN → SHA Shanghai Hongqiao Int'l
Shanghai
63 473 mi B738 Dec 11, 2025
JJN → HSN Zhoushan
Zhoushan
51 424 mi B738 Dec 8, 2025
WMT → HGH Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
48 868 mi B738 Dec 9, 2025
JJN → CKG Chongqing Jiangbei Int'l
Chongqing
48 809 mi B738 Dec 8, 2025
LZH → HGH Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
47 796 mi B738 Dec 11, 2025
LZH → XMN Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
43 551 mi B38M Dec 11, 2025
LZO → PKX Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
43 968 mi B738 Dec 10, 2025
JJN → CSX Changsha Huanghua Int'l
Changsha
43 407 mi B738 Dec 7, 2025
KWL → FOC Fuzhou Changle Int'l
Fuzhou
41 602 mi B738 Dec 7, 2025
HGH → PKX Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
39 681 mi A321 Dec 10, 2025
INC → PVG Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
38 1004 mi B738 Dec 4, 2025
KWL → LJG Lijiang
Lijiang
38 617 mi B737 Dec 7, 2025
CKG → XMN Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
36 792 mi A20N Dec 11, 2025
YCU → TSN Tianjin Binhai Int'l
Tianjin
36 445 mi B738 Dec 10, 2025
KUL → XMN Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
36 1864 mi B738 Dec 11, 2025
BHY → HGH Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
36 916 mi B738 Dec 10, 2025
LZO → SZX Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l
Shenzhen
35 681 mi B738 Dec 5, 2025
INC → CSX Changsha Huanghua Int'l
Changsha
34 804 mi B738 Dec 9, 2025
HIA → CSX Changsha Huanghua Int'l
Changsha
34 522 mi B738 Dec 8, 2025
NKG → XMN Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
33 500 mi A321 Dec 7, 2025
HGH → CKG Chongqing Jiangbei Int'l
Chongqing
33 827 mi B738 Nov 17, 2025
CAN → XMN Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
32 315 mi B738 Dec 11, 2025
HSN → XMN Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
32 455 mi B738 Dec 10, 2025
Data Information:

Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.

Data Freshness: Real-time
Last Update: Dec 11, 2025 08:03
Coverage: Observed routes only