Former Bengbu Airport

The suspension of civilian flights was due to a combination of factors. The airport was a dual-use military/civilian facility where the military had priority. The civilian infrastructure was outdated, with a relatively short runway (approximately 2,200 meters) and a small terminal, making it unsuitable for larger, modern passenger aircraft. Furthermore, its location within the expanding urban area of Bengbu created significant noise pollution and safety concerns, while also preventing any potential for runway extension or facility expansion.

The site is currently an active and important military airbase for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), identified by the ICAO code ZSBB. Satellite imagery clearly shows a well-maintained runway, taxiways, hardened aircraft shelters, and military aircraft on the aprons. It is a secure military installation and is not accessible to the public.

Originally constructed in 1928, Bengbu Airport is a historic airfield. It served as a key military base for the Republic of China Air Force before 1949 and subsequently for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). In 1986, it began dual-use civilian operations, becoming the first civil airport in the northern Anhui province. During its active years for passenger service, it used the IATA code BFU and handled domestic flights to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, primarily operated by airlines such as China Eastern with smaller aircraft like the BAe 146. It was an important transportation hub for the region before the widespread development of China's high-speed rail network.

There are zero prospects for reopening this specific site for civilian aviation due to its critical ongoing military function and prohibitive urban location. However, there are long-standing and active plans for a completely new, dedicated civilian airport for the city. This new facility is to be named Bengbu Mohekou Airport (蚌埠沫河口机场) and will be located in Mohekou Town, Huaiyuan County, southwest of the city center. The project has been included in national and provincial civil aviation plans and is in the final approval and pre-construction phases as of the early 2020s.