Luzhou Lantian Airport

The airport was closed because it was replaced by the new, larger, and more modern Luzhou Yunlong International Airport (IATA: LZO, ICAO: ZULZ). The primary reasons for the replacement were:
1. **Capacity Constraints:** Lantian Airport had a relatively short runway (2,400 meters) and limited apron space, which restricted the size of aircraft it could handle and the volume of air traffic.
2. **Urban Encroachment:** The city of Luzhou had grown and expanded around the airport over several decades. This made any potential expansion of the runway or facilities impossible and also created significant noise pollution and safety concerns for the surrounding residential and commercial areas.
3. **Modernization:** The new Yunlong Airport was built to modern standards (4C, with plans to upgrade to 4E), featuring a longer runway, a much larger terminal, and the capacity to handle significantly more passengers and larger aircraft, meeting the growing economic and travel demands of the region.

The former airport site is undergoing extensive urban redevelopment. As it is located in a prime area within the city's Jiangyang District, the land has been repurposed for city expansion. The plan involves transforming the area into a new urban center, often referred to as the 'Lantian Airport Area' in planning documents. This redevelopment includes the construction of new residential complexes, commercial centers, public parks, and transportation infrastructure. While the outline of the runway may still be visible on satellite imagery, the site is no longer used for any aviation activities and is an active construction and development zone.

Luzhou Lantian Airport had a long and significant history. It was originally constructed in 1944 as a military airfield during the Second Sino-Japanese War. In 1959, it was converted for dual military-civilian use, making it one of the earliest civil airports in Sichuan province. For nearly 60 years, it was the sole air gateway for Luzhou and the surrounding southern Sichuan region. It operated as a 4C class airport, handling domestic flights that connected Luzhou to major hubs across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The airport was instrumental in the economic development, trade, and connectivity of Luzhou until its retirement. Its IATA code (LZO) and ICAO code (ZULZ) were transferred to the new Yunlong Airport upon its opening.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Luzhou Lantian Airport. Its closure is permanent. The function of the airport has been fully and successfully transferred to the new Luzhou Yunlong International Airport. The land is far too valuable for urban development, and its location within a dense urban area makes it unsuitable for modern aviation operations. The city's master plan is focused entirely on the redevelopment of the site.