Xiangtang Air Base (向塘 Nanchang Xiangtang Airport)
Summary
Operating Country | 🇨🇳 China |
Location | 🇨🇳 China |
Status | ◉ Active |
Usage | Dual |
Year built | 1952 |
Operating Organization | People's Liberation Army Air Force |
Description
Nanchang Xiangtang Airport, also known as Xiangtang Air Base, is a People's Liberation Army Air Force base located in Xiangtang, Jiangxi, China. It was built in 1952 by the People's Liberation Army Air Force. In August 1956, the Chinese government converted the air base into a dual-use military and civil airport, with civil flights commencing on January 1, 1957. The airport's runway was strengthened and thickened from March 1981 to early 1982. Due to increasing passenger volume, which exceeded 800,000 in 1995 and 1996, the airport's capacity became insufficient despite two expansions. In 1996, construction began for Nanchang Changbei Airport to replace Xiangtang for civilian operations. On September 10, 1999, all commercial flights were transferred to the new Changbei Airport, and Xiangtang reverted to sole military use. The airport is currently owned by the People's Liberation Army and operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force. It hosts the 40th Air Brigade, which is equipped with approximately 70 J-16 fighters. The facility occupies an area of 162,000 square meters and features a single paved runway.