Where is pvg airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is located in Pudong, Shanghai, China, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of the city center. It opened on October 1, 1999, and has since grown to become one of the world's busiest airports, handling over 76 million passengers in 2019.

Key Facts

Located in Pudong, Shanghai, China, about 30 km (19 miles) east of downtown
Opened on October 1, 1999, replacing Hongqiao as Shanghai's main international airport
Handled 76.15 million passengers in 2019, ranking among the world's top 10 busiest airports
Covers 40 square kilometers (15 square miles) with two main passenger terminals
Serves as a major hub for China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines

Overview

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (IATA: PVG, ICAO: ZSPD) is the primary international airport serving Shanghai, China's largest city and a global financial hub. Situated in the Pudong district on the eastern side of the Huangpu River, the airport was strategically positioned to support Shanghai's rapid economic growth and its emergence as a global aviation center. Its development was part of China's broader strategy to enhance international connectivity and modernize transportation infrastructure during the late 20th century.

The airport opened on October 1, 1999, replacing Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport as the city's main international gateway. Initially operating with a single runway and terminal, it has undergone massive expansion to accommodate Shanghai's explosive growth in air travel demand. Today, PVG stands as a testament to China's aviation ambitions, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and serving as a crucial link between China and the rest of the world.

How It Works

PVG operates as a major international aviation hub with sophisticated infrastructure and operations.

Terminal Operations: The airport features two main passenger terminals (T1 and T2) connected by an automated people mover system and a maglev train station. Terminal 1 opened with the airport in 1999 and was designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, while Terminal 2 opened in 2008 with capacity for 40 million passengers. Together they provide 220 check-in counters and 70 boarding gates.
Runway System: PVG has four runways, with the longest being 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) to accommodate the largest aircraft including the Airbus A380. The runways operate 24/7 with advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) allowing operations in low visibility conditions. The airport handles approximately 1,000 aircraft movements daily.
Cargo Operations: As one of the world's busiest cargo airports, PVG handled 3.63 million metric tons of cargo in 2019. It features dedicated cargo terminals operated by major logistics companies and serves as a key hub for international air freight, particularly for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-value goods.
Transportation Connections: The airport is connected to central Shanghai by the Shanghai Maglev Train, which reaches speeds of 430 km/h (267 mph) and makes the 30 km journey in just 7-8 minutes. Additionally, two subway lines (Line 2 and the Airport Express Line), numerous bus routes, and taxi services provide comprehensive ground transportation options.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Shanghai Pudong (PVG)	Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)
Primary Function	International flights and long-haul routes	Domestic and regional flights
Distance from City Center	30 km (19 miles) east	13 km (8 miles) west
Passenger Traffic (2019)	76.15 million	45.64 million
Cargo Volume (2019)	3.63 million metric tons	0.43 million metric tons
Terminal Count	2 main passenger terminals	2 terminals (T1 and T2)
Major Airlines	China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, international carriers	Spring Airlines, Juneyao Air, domestic carriers

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: PVG contributes significantly to Shanghai's economy, supporting over 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The airport facilitates approximately $200 billion in international trade annually and serves as a critical gateway for foreign investment into China's Yangtze River Delta region.
Global Connectivity: With flights to over 250 destinations worldwide, PVG connects China to global markets and cultures. It serves as a key hub for the "Belt and Road" initiative, with direct flights to 47 countries along the route. The airport handles 40% of China's international air passenger traffic.
Technological Leadership: PVG showcases China's aviation advancements through features like the world's first commercial maglev airport connection and advanced biometric screening systems. The airport processes over 10,000 international transit passengers daily with minimum connection times as low as 60 minutes.

Looking ahead, PVG continues to expand with plans for a third terminal and additional runways to handle projected growth to 120 million passengers annually by 2035. The airport's development aligns with China's vision to become a global aviation leader, with innovations in sustainable operations and smart airport technologies positioning it at the forefront of 21st-century air travel. As Shanghai solidifies its status as a global city, PVG will remain essential to its international stature and economic vitality.