# Ankang Fuqiang Airport (AKA)

> Ankang (Hanbin), CN · 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of Ankang city center

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/aka
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/aka.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: AKA
- **ICAO**: ZLAK
- **Timezone**: Asia/Shanghai
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: .351M/yr

## Overview

## Welcome

Ankang Fuqiang Airport (AKA) opened in September 2020, serving as a tranquil alternative to the mega-hubs like Xi'an or Chengdu. Its compactness and modern facilities make it feel more like a quiet regional train station than a bustling airport, creating a low-stress entry point to the natural wonders of the Qinling Mountains and Hanshui River region. It's located 15 km northwest of Ankang city, making it an easy launch pad for your travels.

## At a glance

Ankang Fuqiang Airport handles approximately 351,000 passengers annually, featuring a single runway and one terminal—T1. Though small, it supports flights to around 10 destinations managed by airlines such as China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines. The airport's primary function as a domestic feeder emphasizes quick, streamlined access with the promise of minimal queues.

## Terminals & layout

The 5,500 m² terminal at Ankang Fuqiang is essentially a main hall and a single pier, which means walking distances are short. The airport is devoid of a maze of retail outlets or complex transit systems, aligning more with the traveler expecting serenity and speed rather than shopping or dining.

## Getting to and from the city

Located about 15 km from central Ankang in the Wuli (Fuqiang) area, the airport's primary transport connection is by taxi. Given that public transport can be unreliable at odd hours, it's recommended that travelers note the exact address of their destination in Chinese, especially to avoid confusion with the old Wulipu site in town.

## Traveller essentials

AKA's small operation means English signage is sparse, so international travelers should rely on translation apps or discuss directly with staff for assistance. For those planning mountain excursions, consider late flights to allow a full day of hiking. Bear in mind that flight schedules can be less flexible, and re-routing options are slim.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Unlike major airports, Ankang Fuqiang doesn’t have a plethora of dining or shopping venues. It’s best to plan any purchases elsewhere or pack essentials, focusing on the airport's convenience and efficiency rather than retail opportunities.

## Lounges

Lounge access at Ankang Fuqiang is limited due to its domestic focus and small passenger volume. Frequent travelers might find better lounge options using credit-card affiliated lounges in larger airports like Xi’an or Guangzhou.

## Insider tips

- **Time:** Given its compact 5,500 m² layout, you won't need to arrive hours early. Treat it more like a train station when calculating your arrival time.

- **Local:** Take advantage of the airport being a convenient starting point for exploring the Qinling Mountains by timing your flight back to coincide with a day of hiking.

- **Avoid:** Flight frequency is limited, especially on routes to major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Book flights early in the day to mitigate being stranded if issues arise.

- **Money:** Taxis are generally the best option for transport between the airport and Ankang; make sure to have your destination written in Chinese to avoid confusion.

- **Insider:** Plane spotters can use public areas in the departure hall to capture the few daily flights thanks to the single 2,600 m runway layout without needing special viewing decks.

- **Time:** Given the reliance on real-time apps for information, have your airline’s app ready for flight updates rather than expecting frequent announcements.

- **Local:** Hotel options near AKA are minimal; consider booking a stay in advance if you have an early flight, as local transport options can be unreliable at that time.

## Terminals (1)

- **Ankang Fuqiang Airport Terminal** — China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines

## Insider tips

- _Time_: Given its compact 5,500 m² layout, you won't need to arrive hours early. Treat it more like a train station when calculating your arrival time.
- _Local_: Take advantage of the airport being a convenient starting point for exploring the Qinling Mountains by timing your flight back to coincide with a day of hiking.
- _Avoid_: Flight frequency is limited, especially on routes to major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Book flights early in the day to mitigate being stranded if issues arise.
- _Money_: Taxis are generally the best option for transport between the airport and Ankang; make sure to have your destination written in Chinese to avoid confusion.
- _Insider_: Plane spotters can use public areas in the departure hall to capture the few daily flights thanks to the single 2,600 m runway layout without needing special viewing decks.
- _Time_: Given the reliance on real-time apps for information, have your airline’s app ready for flight updates rather than expecting frequent announcements.
- _Local_: Hotel options near AKA are minimal; consider booking a stay in advance if you have an early flight, as local transport options can be unreliable at that time.