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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Airport Information

GPS Code: ZPPP

Local Code: Not available

Location: 25.110313° N, 102.936743° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

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.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Kunming Changshui International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
85 1039 85 Dec 11, 2025
Lucky Air
LKE / 8L
42 586 42 Dec 10, 2025
29 273 29 Dec 11, 2025
24 256 24 Dec 11, 2025
13 169 13 Dec 11, 2025
Ruili
RLH / DR
29 160 29 Dec 9, 2025
Air Travel
OTC / A6
8 139 8 Dec 11, 2025
Air China
CCA / CA
9 112 9 Dec 9, 2025
XiamenAir
CXA / MF
5 80 5 Dec 11, 2025
6 76 6 Dec 11, 2025
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

Ident Name Type Frequency
KMG Kunming VOR-DME 112900 kHz
LR Kunming NDB 225 kHz
QB Hunshuitang NDB 443 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
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.

Nearby Airports

Luliang Air Base
CN-0041
Qujing (Luliang), CN
Medium Airport
~73 km away
Yuanmou Air Base
YUA • ZPYM
Chuxiong (Yuanmou), CN
Medium Airport
~127 km away
Mile Dongfeng Airport
CN-0383
Honghe (Mile), CN
Small Airport
~102 km away
Yuxi Jiangcheng Heliport
CN-0388
Yuxi (Jiangchuan), CN
Heliport
~72 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.