Former Shashi Airport

The Former Shashi Airport was closed due to its replacement by the new, modern Jingzhou Shashi Airport (IATA: SHS, ICAO: ZHSN), which opened on January 30, 2021. The old airport was located too close to the city center, which severely restricted its potential for expansion. Its relatively short runway, aging infrastructure, and the noise pollution and safety concerns associated with flights over a densely populated urban area made it inadequate for the region's growing air traffic demands. The new airport was constructed at a more remote location to accommodate larger aircraft, increase passenger capacity, and meet modern aviation standards, rendering the old facility obsolete.

As of early 2024, the site of the former airport is undergoing a major urban redevelopment project. Satellite imagery shows that the runway and some taxiways are still clearly visible, but the surrounding land is being cleared and prepared for new construction. The former terminal and auxiliary buildings are in the process of being demolished to make way for a new urban district. The government's plan for the valuable land includes the development of new residential areas, commercial centers, public parks, and infrastructure, effectively integrating the former airport grounds into the city's urban fabric.

The Former Shashi Airport (former ICAO: ZHSS) had a long and significant history. Originally built in 1929, it was one of the earlier airfields in China. In the 1930s, it served as a crucial stop on the Shanghai-Chengdu air route, one of the country's primary commercial aviation corridors at the time. After periods of disuse, it was approved for expansion as a dual-use civil and military airport in 1985. Civilian flights officially resumed in November 1988, re-establishing Jingzhou's connection to China's national air network. For over three decades, it was the primary gateway to the Jingzhou region, handling domestic flights operated by major carriers like China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. It connected Jingzhou to key economic hubs such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and other major cities, playing a vital role in the local economy, tourism, and transportation until its final flight on January 29, 2021. Its former IATA code, SHS, was transferred to the new airport.

There are no plans or prospects for the Former Shashi Airport to reopen. Its closure was permanent, and its function has been entirely superseded by the new Jingzhou Shashi Airport. The land is considered prime real estate for urban expansion, and the ongoing redevelopment projects confirm that the site will be repurposed for city use rather than aviation.