Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Kunming, CN 🇨🇳 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
ZPPP
IATA
KMG
Elevation
6903 ft
Region
CN-53
Local Time
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GPS Code: ZPPP
Local Code: Not available
Location: 25.110313° N, 102.936743° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Large International Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Recent traveler reviews for Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) indicate a mixed but generally positive experience, with many praising its modern infrastructure and cleanliness, while frequently noting significant issues with staff attitude and inefficient security/immigration procedures, particularly for transiting passengers. The airport is often highlighted for its spacious design and convenient city connections.
What Travelers Love
- Modern and Spacious Design: The airport features impressive architecture and a generally modern, well-organized layout with clear signage, making navigation easy for first-time visitors.
- Cleanliness: Travelers consistently commend the airport's cleanliness, including its restrooms.
- Diverse Facilities and Amenities: KMG offers a wide range of global and local food stalls (some open 24 hours), various shopping options, and amenities like comfortable lounge chairs, charging stations, and even pay-per-use sleeping pods and massage chairs.
- Reliable Free Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and is generally reported to have good speeds.
- Convenient Transportation Connections: The airport is well-connected to Kunming city center via Metro Line 6, airport shuttle buses, and taxis/ride-hailing apps, offering affordable and efficient options.
Common Complaints
- Rude and Disorganized Staff: A frequent complaint concerns the rudeness, condescension, and disorganization of airport, security, and immigration staff.
- Inefficient Security and Immigration for Transfers: Many international transit passengers lament the lack of a dedicated transit service, often requiring them to collect luggage, clear immigration, and re-enter security even for short layovers, leading to long processing times. Security wait times can also be long, with instances of poor crowd control.
- Inconsistent Cleanliness in Some Areas: While generally clean, some reviews mention older sections or floors being dirty due to passenger behavior, and issues with staff keeping toilets locked.
- Disappointing Lounge Experiences: Some travelers with lounge access found the offerings, particularly food, to be limited and disappointing compared to other international airports.
- Poor Signage for International Security: Some passengers struggled to find international security checkpoints, indicating confusing or inadequate signage in specific areas.
Overall, Kunming Changshui International Airport is a modern and generally well-equipped facility that serves as an important hub. While praised for its aesthetics and connectivity, travelers frequently advise preparing for potentially frustrating interactions with staff and inefficient transfer processes, which can detract from an otherwise positive experience.
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Airport Routes
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) offers 355 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include China Eastern, Lucky Air, Kunming Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Kunming include Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l, Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l, Xi'an Xianyang Int'l, Changsha Huanghua Int'l and Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l (HGH) 10
- Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l (SZX) 9
- Xi'an Xianyang Int'l (XIY) 9
- Changsha Huanghua Int'l (CSX) 8
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int'l (CGO) 8
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) 7
- Wenzhou Int'l (WNZ) 7
- Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l (XMN) 7
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW) 7
- Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l (CAN) 7
- Nanjing Lukou Int'l (NKG) 7
- Chengdu Tianfu Int'l (TFU) 7
Newly Discovered
- Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l (CAN) new
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) new
- Haikou Meilan Int'l (HAK) new
- Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l (XMN) new
- Fuzhou Changle Int'l (FOC) new
- Shanghai Hongqiao Int'l (SHA) new
- Xining Caojiabu (XNN) new
- Xishuangbanna Gasa (JHG) new
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW) new
- Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) new
- Chengdu Tianfu Int'l (TFU) new
- Changsha Huanghua Int'l (CSX) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Kunming Changshui International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
China Eastern
CES
/ MU
|
86 | 1322 | 86 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Lucky Air
LKE
/ 8L
|
43 | 696 | 43 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
Kunming Airlines
KNA
/ KY
|
31 | 343 | 31 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Sichuan Airlines
CSC
/ 3U
|
24 | 290 | 24 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Ruili
RLH
/ DR
|
30 | 223 | 30 | Jan 29, 2026 |
China Southern Airlines
CSN
/ CZ
|
15 | 221 | 15 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Air Travel
OTC
/ A6
|
8 | 173 | 8 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Air China
CCA
/ CA
|
9 | 162 | 9 | Jan 29, 2026 |
XiamenAir
CXA
/ MF
|
5 | 108 | 5 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Shanghai Airlines
CSH
/ FM
|
6 | 95 | 6 | Jan 31, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
03/21 |
13123 ft | 148 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
04/22 |
14764 ft | 197 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | KUNMING APP | 124.22 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 128.45 MHz |
| GND | KUNMING GND | 121.85 MHz |
| TWR | KUNMING TWR | 118.1 MHz |
| TWR | - | 118.85 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official taxis are available 24/7 at designated stands outside the arrivals hall. The trip to downtown Kunming is metered and typically takes 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. It is advisable to have your destination address written in Chinese and to use only official, licensed taxis.
Rental Cars
Car rental counters for companies like Avis, Hertz, and major Chinese providers (e.g., Shenzhou, eHi) are located in the arrivals area. A valid Chinese driver's license is generally required, as International Driving Permits are often not accepted on their own. Pre-booking is highly recommended, and you should confirm license requirements directly with the rental agency.
Public Transportation
The airport is well-connected by public transit.
- Kunming Metro: Line 6 connects the airport directly to the city's subway network. The station is on floor B2 of the terminal building. It runs to East Coach Station, where you can transfer to other lines to reach the city center.
- Airport Shuttle Buses: Multiple express bus lines operate from the airport to various key locations in Kunming, including the main railway station and major commercial districts. This is a cost-effective option with tickets sold at counters near the bus stops outside the arrivals hall.