Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (IATA: TFU, ICAO: ZUTF) is a major international aviation hub serving Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan province. As the city's second international airport, its opening made Chengdu the third city in mainland China to operate two primary civil airports, after Beijing and Shanghai. It serves as a primary hub for Air China and Sichuan Airlines, significantly expanding air traffic capacity for Western China. The airport officially commenced operations on June 27, 2021, and was developed to alleviate congestion at the older Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and establish a leading gateway to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East from the region.

Located in the town of Lujia in Jianyang, a city administered by Chengdu, the airport is situated approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Chengdu's city center. Travelers can access the airport via multiple transportation methods. The most efficient is often Chengdu Metro's Line 18, an express line that connects the airport directly with Chengdu South Railway Station in about 40 minutes. In addition, a network of dedicated airport buses provides connections to various key points across Chengdu, and taxis or ride-hailing services are readily available, though the journey by road is subject to traffic conditions.

TFU operates two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by an Automated People Mover (APM) system and a central transit corridor. Generally, Terminal 1 handles all international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights, while Terminal 2 is dedicated to domestic mainland China flights. Passenger facilities are modern and extensive, including a wide array of dining options from Sichuanese specialties to international fast-food chains, numerous retail and duty-free shops, airline lounges, and currency exchange services. A large Ground Transportation Center is integrated between the two terminals, simplifying transfers between flights and ground transport.

For travelers using the airport, it is advisable to arrive at least two to three hours before a domestic flight and three to four hours before an international departure to allow ample time for check-in, security, and navigating the large terminals. When transferring between TFU and Chengdu's other airport, CTU, passengers should allocate at least two hours for the journey itself, as the airports are over 60 kilometers apart. Clear signage in both Chinese and English helps with navigation, and information desks are available to assist with inquiries.