Pu'er Simao Airport (SYM)

Pu'er Simao Airport (IATA: SYM, ICAO: ZPSM) serves as the primary air gateway to Pu'er City in China's Yunnan province, a region renowned globally for its distinctive fermented tea. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting this important agricultural and cultural hub with the rest of the country, facilitating both tourism and business travel. Its function is essential for the accessibility of southern Yunnan's mountainous terrain.

Originally established in 1960 as a military airfield, the facility later transitioned to dual civil and military use. A significant event in its modern history was the renaming of Simao City to Pu'er City in 2007 to better reflect the region's famous product, at which time the airport was officially renamed Pu'er Simao Airport. This change highlights its identity as the entry point to the home of Pu'er tea.

The airport is conveniently located approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Pu'er's city center. The short distance makes ground transportation straightforward and quick, with a typical journey to downtown areas taking about 10 to 15 minutes by car. Taxis are the most common and readily available means for travelers to reach their final destinations within the city.

Operations at Pu'er Simao Airport are exclusively domestic. It connects the city to major Chinese hubs, including Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Airlines such as China Eastern, Lucky Air, and Kunming Airlines are among the primary carriers operating scheduled flights. While it is a smaller regional airport, it handles a significant volume of traffic relative to its size; for instance, in 2018, it served over 1.3 million passengers.

The airport features a single, compact terminal building that is easy to navigate. Facilities are functional and cater to the essential needs of travelers. Inside, passengers will find check-in counters, security screening, a modest departures lounge with seating, and a few small retail shops and food vendors. These outlets often feature local specialties, providing a last-minute opportunity to purchase Pu'er tea and other regional products.

For those traveling through Pu'er Simao Airport, arriving 90 minutes before a scheduled domestic flight is generally sufficient. Given its small scale, check-in and security processes are typically efficient. Upon arrival, taxis are easily found outside the terminal. The limited number of gates and straightforward layout mean that navigating from check-in to the departure area is a simple process, though post-security amenities are limited.