Ctu Departure Airport: What Does It Mean?

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is located 18km southwest of Chengdu city centre, the capital of Sichuan province, China. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in China, serving over 55 million passengers annually. The airport has two terminals and two 3,600-metre runways, covering an area of 5 square kilometres. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport offers flights to a variety of domestic and international destinations and serves as a hub for several airlines.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport location and transport

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (IATA: CTU) is located about 16 kilometres (10 miles) southwest of downtown Chengdu, in the southwest of the city, to the north of Shuangliu County. It is one of two international airports serving Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in Southwestern China.

The airport is connected to downtown Chengdu by the Airport Expressway, the Chengdu–Mianyang–Leshan intercity railway, and the Chengdu Metro line 10, which has stations in both terminals. The metro line connects the airport with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, via a transfer at the Taipingyuan station.

There are also shuttle buses that connect the airport with downtown Chengdu. The journey takes about 40 minutes by taxi.

Airlines and terminals

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is one of the most important aviation hubs in China, with passenger traffic of approximately 60 million. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, with flights to over 200 destinations. The airport is located about 12 to 16 kilometres from downtown Chengdu and is accessible by airport buses, trains, and cabs.

CTU is home to some of China's major airlines, including Air China, Chengdu Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines. It is also a base for China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Lucky Air, and Tibet Airlines. The airport features two large terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are separate and have no interconnection. Terminal 1 serves international and some domestic flights, while Terminal 2 operates solely for domestic flights. The terminal building features a three-parallel-porch design and can accommodate 3,500 passengers per hour during rush hours.

Some of the popular domestic flight routes from CTU include Chengdu to Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Kunming, and Xiamen. Internationally, popular destinations include Singapore, Seoul, Hanoi, Tokyo, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, London, and Ho Chi Minh City.

CTU is recognised as the fourth-biggest aviation hub in China and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The airport has two runways, with the second one completed in 2009, allowing the airport to handle larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

Food and amenities

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is about 12.57 km from downtown Chengdu. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Although I couldn't find specific information about the food and amenities at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, I did find some details about the airport's lounges. One source mentions that the lounges are small and provide little food. However, another source mentions that there are lounges with free spicy instant soup and cold beer.

• Look for outposts of beloved local dining establishments, which can offer a slice of local culture before your departure.
• Seek out childhood favourites or comforting dishes that evoke positive memories.
• Be adventurous and try something new, especially if it's a local specialty or unique to the airport.
• Opt for healthier options like acai bowls or fresh tropical fruits if available.
• Consider the portion sizes and prices before making your choice.

Luggage storage

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is located near the city of Chengdu in China. The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, and is about 12.57 km from downtown Chengdu.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport offers luggage storage services, including left baggage, baggage inquiry, baggage wrapping, luggage tracking, and luggage delivery. The service is available from 08:00 to 20:00. The Lost and Found Counter can be found between Gate 6 and Gate 7 in the Domestic Departure Hall.

Additionally, there are storage sites located inside existing businesses, hotels, retail outlets, and cafes in Chengdu. These sites are vetted by local employees and provide unique security seals for each piece of luggage, free of charge.

For passengers who wish to store their luggage at the airport, it is recommended to arrive at the terminal (T1 or T2) at least two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. Self-service luggage checking is available at the airport, and early online check-in is recommended.

• Service Hotline: (+86) 28-8520 5555
• Lost and Found Counter Hotline: (+86) 28-85206200

Visa requirements

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is one of two international airports serving Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China. The airport is located about 12.57 km from downtown Chengdu.

The visa requirements for travelling through Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) depend on several factors, including your nationality, the purpose and duration of your visit, and the specific entry and exit regulations in place at the time of your travel. Here is a detailed overview of the visa requirements:

144-hour Visa-Exempt Transit:

• CTU offers a 144-hour visa-free transit for certain passport holders when transiting through the airport.
• This applies to holders of passports issued by 53 countries, including the United Arab Emirates and all European Union citizens, excluding British passport holders who are not British citizens.
• To qualify, travellers must have a passport valid for at least three months from the arrival date, visas for their destination countries (if required), and proof of onward travel within 144 hours to a third country or territory, such as Hong Kong or Macau.
• During the 144-hour visa-free period, travellers are permitted to visit 11 cities in Sichuan Province, including Chengdu, Leshan, Deyang, and Suining.

24-hour Visa-Exempt Transit:

• CTU also offers a 24-hour visa-exemption for international transit for all nationalities.
• To qualify, travellers must have a passport valid for at least three months from the entry date, arrive by air, cruise ship, or train, hold confirmed tickets for an onward journey to a third country within 24 hours, and depart mainland China within 24 hours of arrival.

Standard Visa Requirements:

• For longer stays or visits that do not meet the criteria for visa-exempt transit, travellers will need to obtain a visa before travelling through CTU.
• The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your visit. China offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas, work visas, and transit visas.
• The application process and requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the Chinese embassy or consulate you are applying through. It is recommended to consult the official website or embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• In addition to completing the necessary application forms and providing supporting documents, you may need to schedule an interview and provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo) as part of the visa application process.
• Visa processing times can vary, so it is advisable to plan and apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Travel Restrictions and Advisories:

• It is important to stay informed about any travel restrictions or advisories that may be in place due to health, safety, or other concerns. These can impact your ability to obtain a visa or enter the country.
• Always check the latest travel advice from official government sources before planning your trip.

By understanding the specific visa requirements for your nationality and purpose of travel, you can ensure that you have the necessary documentation to depart from and transit through Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport smoothly.

Frequently asked questions