Hohhot Shengle International Airport in China's Inner Mongolia completes 4F-class test flight, nearing operational launch

Hohhot Shengle International Airport, a new 4F-class facility in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has successfully completed its verification test flight. This critical milestone marks the transition from its construction phase to preparations for formal operations, positioning the airport as a significant new asset in China's civil aviation infrastructure.

The extensive test flight, conducted by Air China, spanned approximately 500 minutes. It meticulously verified that the airport's flight procedures, operational standards, runway surfaces, taxiway markings, and essential communication and navigation systems all meet stringent industry requirements. The airport is designed with substantial capacity, aiming to handle 28 million passengers, 320,000 tonnes of cargo, and 244,000 aircraft take-offs and landings annually by 2030. Its 4F classification signifies its capability to accommodate the world's largest commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380.

Upon its official launch, Hohhot Shengle International Airport is slated to assume all air transport services currently managed by Hohhot Baita International Airport. This strategic transition will establish it as a pivotal aviation hub in northern China, serving as a primary alternate airport for the bustling Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei airport cluster. Furthermore, its designation as a top-tier aviation port and a crucial transportation node on the Belt and Road initiative underscores its regional and international importance.

The addition of Hohhot Shengle International Airport contributes to China's growing network of high-capacity aviation facilities. As of June 21, 2025, the Chinese mainland operates 16 airports classified as 4F-class, representing the highest global standard for airports capable of handling large aircraft, reflecting the nation's ongoing investment in modernizing its aviation infrastructure.