Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

PVG Terminal Overview

PVG currently operates two main terminals (T1 and T2) plus the massive H-shaped Satellite Hall (S1 and S2). A third terminal (T3) is under construction on the south airfield. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected on the landside by pedestrian walkways and a free shuttle bus; airside, each terminal connects to its respective satellite concourse via an automated people mover (APM). The APM ride to the satellite takes about 2 minutes. T1 feeds S1 (SkyTeam primarily); T2 feeds S2 (Star Alliance and oneworld primarily).

Important for international connections: PVG is NOT as seamless as airports in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Dubai for international-to-international transits. The connection process depends heavily on whether your bags are checked through and whether you need to clear Chinese customs/immigration. Connecting passengers on the same booking with checked-through luggage who remain airside can typically transfer between terminals via the landside connector, but signage can be confusing. Allow a minimum of 2 hours for any PVG connection; 3 hours is comfortable for international-to-international; 4+ hours if you need to clear immigration and re-check bags.

Terminal 1 (T1) — China Eastern / SkyTeam / Domestic

Terminal 1 opened on October 1, 1999, and has a recognizable wave-form "seagull wing" roof. It underwent a significant renovation in 2019–2020 to improve passenger flow and upgrade facilities. T1 is the primary terminal for China Eastern Airlines (MU), Shanghai Airlines (FM), and their SkyTeam alliance partners, as well as several other international and domestic carriers. The Maglev station is accessible from T1 (though physically slightly closer to T2 — follow signs). Metro Line 2 station is at the lower level. T1 has 28 gates including some double-deck gates for wide-body aircraft.

Airlines at T1: China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Delta Air Lines (T1 departures; codeshare via SkyTeam), Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, China Southern Airlines (selected flights), Qantas (selected routes), and other SkyTeam/affiliated carriers. Also domestic carriers using T1.

Key facilities at T1:

• Check-in: Islands A, B (domestic) and C, D, E, F, G (international / HK-Macao-Taiwan) on Departures Hall level
• China Eastern VIP lounges (multiple, for J/F class and MU Platinum/Gold)
• Air France Lounge (for AF business class and Flying Blue Elite+)
• Plaza Premium Lounge (T1 — pay-per-use, Priority Pass)
• First Class Lounge No.9 (domestic, between gates 8–9, pay-at-door)
• Golden Century VIP Lounge (domestic)
• Hourly Lounge / Airport Hotel: Landside, near F/G check-in islands. Standard room ¥60/hr, ¥280 half-day, ¥360 full day/night. Suite ¥80/hr, ¥360 half-day, ¥480 full. Show flight ticket/passport to access.
• Din Tai Fung restaurant (famous for Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings — a must-try)
• Old Shanghai Restaurant (traditional Shanghainese cuisine)
• Starbucks, Ajisen Ramen, Burger King, Yang's Fried Dumplings, multiple Chinese cuisine options
• Free showers (2025 upgrade): available in T1 departure lounge for transiting passengers
• APM people mover to Satellite Hall S1 (2-minute ride to 83 additional gates)

Terminal 2 (T2) — Star Alliance / Oneworld / International

Terminal 2 opened in March 2008 and is larger than T1, designed with a wave-shaped façade reminiscent of the Yangtze River delta. It handles Star Alliance and oneworld airlines, most major European and North American carriers not affiliated with SkyTeam, and some additional international flights. T2 is also where the Maglev station is most directly accessible (lower level), and where the Metro Line 2 airport station is located. T2 has the most premium lounge options at PVG and is generally considered the superior terminal for international travel experience.

Airlines at T2: Air China (CA/Star Alliance), Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Swiss International, Austrian, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance); Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, American Airlines (oneworld); Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad (independent international); United Airlines; and other major international carriers.

Key facilities at T2:

• Check-in: Multiple islands for domestic and international, with dedicated premium check-in for J/F class
• Cathay Pacific Business Lounge (T2, airside international) — widely considered the best lounge at PVG. Features a dedicated noodle bar (dim sum, congee), dumplings, full buffet, shower suites. Priority Pass eligible on certain access tiers.
• Air China First/Business Class Lounge (T2 and S2) — traditional Chinese tea service, extensive hot buffet, showers. For CA passengers and Star Alliance Gold.
• Lufthansa Business Lounge (T2) — for LH/Star Alliance business class passengers
• Emirates Lounge (T2) — for EK first/business class
• No. 77 China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge (T2 airside near Gate 77) — flagship pay-per-use lounge with showers. Priority Pass eligible.
• First Class Lounge No.69 (T2 airside, near Gate 69) — showers available, pay-at-door
• Golden Century VIP Lounge (T2 domestic, Gate C58 and C89)
• Da Zhong Airport Hotel (between T1 and T2, accessible from T2 level — see Hotels section)
• Bank of China counter (arrivals level, T2) — best exchange rates at the airport
• Free showers in T2 departure lounge (2025 upgrade)
• Nap pods (sleep pods): starting at ¥35 (~€4.20) for 30 minutes, ¥299 (~€35) for 8 hours
• Luggage storage: T2 arrivals and departures areas, from ¥15/hour, up to 2 months
• 240-hour visa-free transit counter: T2 arrivals area (see Visa section)
• APM people mover to Satellite Hall S2 (2-minute ride)

Satellite Hall (S1 and S2) — The World's Largest Satellite Terminal

Completed in September 2019 at a cost of 20.6 billion yuan, the PVG Satellite Hall is an architectural feat: an H-shaped single building covering 622,000 square metres — larger than Terminal 2 itself, larger than all of Singapore Changi's four terminals combined, and recognized as the world's largest single satellite terminal building. S1 connects to T1 (China Eastern / SkyTeam), while S2 connects to T2 (Air China / Star Alliance / oneworld international). Together S1 and S2 add 83 additional gates, with an annual design capacity of 38 million passengers.

The Satellite Hall is connected to its parent terminal by an automated people mover (APM) — a fully underground automated train that runs continuously and takes about 2 minutes. The satellite is entirely airside (post-security), so passengers can only access it after clearing their departure terminal's security checkpoint. The building features significantly expanded retail and dining, including international luxury brands, Chinese specialty food, and the S1 flagship China Eastern No. 77 lounge.

Key Satellite Hall features:

• S1: China Eastern No. 77 VIP Lounge — flagship SkyTeam lounge at PVG. Features a noodle bar, dedicated shower suites, and panoramic airside views from the terrace. For China Eastern J/F class and SkyTeam Elite Plus. One of the best airline lounges in China.
• S2: Air China Business Class Lounge — additional Star Alliance lounge in the satellite
• Indoor garden and aviation museum (S1/S2 connecting corridor)
• Rotating art wall exhibition from Shanghai museums (H-shaped central zone)
• VIP Lounge near Gate 135B (S1) and Gate 170 (S2) — for lounge program members
• Extensive duty-free shopping: SUNRISE Duty-Free (largest operator), luxury boutiques (Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada), Shanghai Tang, ICICLE, Chow Tai Fook jewelry
• 150+ food and beverage options across the satellite halls
• Burger King (4F, Satellite Building 1)
• Sunya (Xin Ya Cha Shi) — Cantonese cuisine (4F, S1)

Inter-Terminal Transfers at PVG

Moving between T1 and T2 at PVG requires some planning:

• Landside (pre-security or after customs): Free terminal shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes between T1 and T2. Journey time approximately 10 minutes. Also accessible via pedestrian walkways. The Da Zhong Airport Hotel is physically between the two terminals and accessible from both.
• Airside (post-security): There is no direct airside connection between T1/S1 and T2/S2. To transfer between terminals post-security, passengers must exit the secure zone, take the landside connector, and re-clear security at the destination terminal. This is the key operational limitation at PVG — build in 60–90 minutes for any cross-terminal airside connection.

Getting to and from Shanghai Pudong International Airport

PVG is 30 km from Shanghai's city center — far enough that transport planning genuinely matters. The airport offers four main options: the iconic Maglev, Metro Line 2, taxi/DiDi, and airport coach buses. The best choice depends entirely on your destination, time of day, and luggage load. The Maglev + Metro combination is the fastest and most practical for central Shanghai destinations; Metro alone is the cheapest; taxi/DiDi is best for heavy luggage or off-metro destinations; coaches are useful for travelers heading to specific suburban locations or other cities.

Critical practical note for all transport: China's dominant payment apps (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are required for Metro ticket machines, DiDi, and many services. Set up an international Alipay account before travel, or bring RMB cash. WeChat requires a Chinese phone number to link a payment card. The Shanghai Public Transport Card (available at airport kiosks, ¥20 deposit) is the easiest option for visitors who don't have payment apps set up.

Shanghai Maglev Train — World's Fastest Commercial Train

The Shanghai Maglev (Transrapid) is the world's first and only operational commercial magnetic levitation railway, and riding it remains one of the most distinctive transport experiences on earth. It connects the airport to Longyang Road Station in just 7 minutes and 20 seconds, covering 30 km with a peak operational speed of approximately 300–431 km/h (the 431 km/h record is hit briefly on the outbound leg — a digital display in the train shows the live speed, and passengers routinely photograph it). At Longyang Road, you can transfer to Metro Lines 2, 7, 16, and 18 to continue into the city.

Maglev details (2025):

• Route: Pudong Airport Station (near T2, follow signs) ↔ Longyang Road Station (Pudong)
• Journey time: 7 min 20 sec (one-way, non-stop)
• Top speed: ~430 km/h peak; ~300 km/h typical
• Fare: ¥50 one-way (~$7 USD) standard class; ¥100 VIP (first car, wider seats)
• Discount: 20% off with a same-day flight ticket (boarding pass) — standard becomes ¥40. Round-trip also discounted.
• Hours: 06:45–21:50 (approximate, some variation by day). Two late trains from airport at 22:15 and 22:40. Last train from Longyang Road at 21:40.
• Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes (not continuous service — check the board for next departure)
• Luggage: No formal restrictions; overhead racks available. Large suitcases fit but may feel cramped at peak times.
• Tickets: At self-service machines in the airport (English available), or WeChat Official Account ("上海磁悬浮列车"). Staff at ticket windows speak basic English.
• Station location: Follow "Maglev Train" / "磁悬浮" signs from T1 or T2 arrivals — approximately 5–10 min walk from baggage claim

From Longyang Road, getting further into the city:

• Metro Line 2 → People's Square (~25 min, ¥6), Nanjing Road, Jiangsu Road, Hongqiao Airport (end of line)
• Metro Line 7 → connects south through Pudong
• Metro Line 16 → Lingang industrial area
• Metro Line 18 → newer Pudong extension

Verdict: The Maglev is worth it for anyone going near Line 2 stations (Lujiazui/CBD, People's Square, Nanjing East Road, Jing'an Temple area, Zhongshan Park). The ¥50 price is reasonable for 7 minutes vs. 45–60 minutes by other means. Do NOT take the Maglev if your destination requires multiple metro transfers after Longyang Road — in that case, Metro Line 2 direct from the airport may be simpler.

Metro Line 2 — Cheapest Option (Direct to City Center)

Metro Line 2 connects directly from both PVG terminals (station at T2 level; T1 passengers take the terminal shuttle or walk). The line runs through the heart of Shanghai — Pudong New Area (Century Avenue, Lujiazui), under the Huangpu River, through People's Square, Nanjing Road, and all the way to Hongqiao Airport (SHA) and Hongqiao Railway Station at the western terminus. This makes Metro Line 2 the single most useful rail line in the city for airport travelers.

Metro Line 2 details (2025):

• Journey time: ~60 minutes to People's Square, ~75 min to Hongqiao Airport
• Fare: ¥7–¥9 (~$1–1.50 USD) depending on distance
• Frequency: Every 3–5 minutes peak, every 6–10 min off-peak
• Hours: Approximately 05:30–23:00 (varies by station)
• Key stops from airport: Chuansha, Century Avenue (L4, L6, L9 interchange), Science and Technology Museum, Lujiazui (Pudong financial district), Dongchang Road, Pudong Avenue, then under the river: East Nanjing Road, People's Square (all central lines), Jing'an Temple, Zhongshan Park, Hongqiao Railway Station / Airport SHA
• Luggage: No restrictions but the train is often crowded during peak hours; standard metro carriages. If you have multiple large suitcases, non-peak times are strongly preferable.
• Payment: Shanghai Public Transport Card, Alipay/WeChat QR code, or cash at ticket machines (choose English)

Verdict: Best value option. If you're on a budget or traveling light, Line 2 is perfectly comfortable. The 60-minute journey is reasonable for ¥7–9. Not recommended with heavy luggage during rush hours (07:30–09:00 and 17:30–19:30).

Airport Link Line (Shanghai Suburban Railway) — New from December 2024

The Airport Link Line (机场联络线) opened December 27, 2024, adding a dedicated express suburban rail connection from PVG with higher speed and fewer stops than Metro Line 2. The line connects PVG to Hongqiao Hub (SHA + high-speed rail station) via fewer intermediate stops, targeting travelers making airport-to-airport connections or heading toward Hongqiao without the full Line 2 journey. By 2027, an extension will connect PVG to Shanghai East Railway Station, integrating the airport into China's high-speed rail network. Fares and specific scheduling are available on the Shanghai Metro / airport website. This line is particularly valuable for travelers connecting between PVG and Hongqiao for domestic onward flights.

Taxi and DiDi (Ride-Hailing)

Taxis and DiDi (China's dominant ride-hailing app, equivalent to Uber) are available at all PVG terminals. The official taxi rank is on the ground floor (arrivals level) of both T1 and T2 — follow the clearly marked signs. Metered taxis are regulated and generally safe; the primary risk at PVG is unofficial touts who approach in the arrivals hall offering "cheap" fixed prices — always ignore these and proceed to the official rank. DiDi is often slightly cheaper than taxis and avoids the queue, but requires a Chinese phone number or the international version of the app (DiDi International, usable with international cards).

Approximate fares to central Shanghai (including expressway tolls of ¥15–25):

• PVG → The Bund / East Nanjing Road: ¥160–200 (~$22–28), approximately 45–60 min (off-peak)
• PVG → People's Square: ¥150–180 (~$21–25), 45–55 min
• PVG → Lujiazui (Pudong CBD): ¥100–130 (~$14–18), 30–40 min
• PVG → Jing'an Temple / French Concession: ¥180–220 (~$25–30), 55–70 min
• PVG → Hongqiao Airport (SHA): ¥180–250 (~$25–35), 60–90 min
• Night surcharge: applies after 23:00 (20% added to meter)
• Tolls are on top of meter and paid by passenger — keep ¥20–30 in cash for toll booths if the driver requests

Important: Tips are not customary in China; tipping a taxi driver is not expected and may cause confusion. Always ask for a receipt (发票 fāpiào) — required for reimbursement and useful for any complaints.

Airport Coach Buses

Multiple coach routes connect PVG to various locations in Shanghai and surrounding cities. Coaches depart from outside T1 and T2 on the ground floor (arrivals level), running to major Shanghai landmarks (People's Square, Jing'an, Pudong), Hongqiao Airport/Station, and cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Ningbo. Fares range from ¥20 (central Shanghai routes) to ¥80–120 (intercity). Journey times vary with traffic. Schedules and routes are posted at the departure points and on the airport's official website. Coaches are a good option for travelers connecting to other cities or to suburban destinations not well served by metro.

Hotels Inside / Adjacent to the Airport

• Da Zhong Airport Hotel (大众机场酒店) — The only hotel physically located between T1 and T2, situated above the Maglev / Metro station. This is the most convenient option for layovers at PVG. Accessible from both terminals without going outside. Hourly and overnight rates available; room rates approximately ¥400–800/night (~$55–110). Very popular for overnight layovers and early morning departures. Book in advance via Ctrip/Trip.com; walk-in is possible but not guaranteed. Basic to mid-range facilities, functional rather than luxurious.
• Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport (IHG) — Within the terminal precinct, offering modern 4-star amenities with shuttle to terminals. Good value relative to location. Rooms from approximately ¥600–1,000/night (~$85–140). IHG Rewards eligible.
• YOTEL PVG — Both an airside and landside location. YOTEL's compact, premium cabins/rooms for short stays. Airside location allows post-security access without leaving the secure zone. Very popular for passengers with long layovers who want to sleep without clearing immigration. Prices vary; comparable to a mid-range hotel.

Hotels Near the Airport (Shuttle or Short Drive)

• Hyatt Regency Shanghai Pudong Airport — Luxury 5-star, approximately 5–10 minutes by shuttle from terminals. One of the best hotels near PVG. Rooms from approximately ¥900–1,600/night (~$125–220). Full-service spa, pool, multiple restaurants.
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Pudong Airport — 4-star, 3 minutes from PVG departure floor via complimentary shuttle every 30 minutes. Rooms from approximately ¥600–1,000/night (~$85–140). Large rooms, good breakfast, consistent quality.
• Radisson Blu Shanghai New World (closer to city center, ~40 min drive) — 5-star, not adjacent to airport but useful for travelers who want to be nearer Pudong CBD.
• Various budget options in Pudong New Area: Ibis, Home Inn, Hanting Express and other Chinese budget chains are available 10–20 minutes from the airport by taxi at ¥200–400/night (~$28–55). Practical for very budget-conscious travelers willing to commute slightly.

Note for Western travelers: Hotels in China require passport registration at check-in — this is mandatory legal requirement, not optional. International travelers must show their passport and valid visa (or visa-free stamp). All hotel stays are automatically registered with local police. Some very budget Chinese hotels may not accept foreign passports — confirm when booking.

Parking at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

PVG offers three main parking zones for private vehicles, operated by the airport authority:

Parking is paid via cash, bank card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. The P4 long-term lot offers the best value for trips of 3+ days at ¥60/day ($8–9/day) — significantly cheaper than Western airport equivalents. All lots are guarded 24/7. Note that large vehicles may be charged at double rates. The first 20 minutes are free in all lots — useful for drop-offs. For reservations and updated rates, check the airport's official website (shairport.com/en). Off-airport private parking lots near PVG also exist at slightly lower rates with free shuttle service.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all PVG terminals and the Satellite Hall under the network "PVG-Airport-Free-WiFi" or similar — follow signs or ask at information desks. Critical note: Airport Wi-Fi in China is subject to the same internet restrictions as elsewhere in China — Google, WhatsApp, most Western social media, and many news sites are blocked. A VPN is needed to access these services, but VPN usage is technically restricted in China. Configure and test your VPN before arriving — once you're on Chinese Wi-Fi or a Chinese SIM, accessing VPN services may be more difficult. Alternatively, keep an international roaming SIM or eSIM for accessing unrestricted internet. Wi-Fi kiosks at the airport require a Chinese phone number or passport scan to receive an access code.

Mobile Internet and Payments

This is the most important practical topic for foreign visitors to PVG and Shanghai generally. China operates a fundamentally different digital ecosystem:

• Payment: Alipay (国际版 International version works with foreign Visa/Mastercard) and WeChat Pay are the dominant payment methods — many smaller food vendors, some transport options, and even vending machines are cashless and accept only QR codes. Set up Alipay International before travel (links a foreign bank card). WeChat Pay requires a Chinese phone number. Alternatively, bring ¥500–1,000 RMB cash for backup.
• Ride-hailing: DiDi is the Chinese Uber equivalent. DiDi International app works with foreign cards and passport. Install and set up before entering China.
• Maps: Google Maps does not function in China. Use Apple Maps (works in China), Baidu Maps (Chinese only but functional), or Amap (高德地图) which has an English option and works well for foreigners. Alternatively, save offline maps before arrival.
• SIM card: Chinese carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom) sell tourist SIM cards at the airport arrivals level — these give domestic data but internet remains restricted. International roaming SIMs / eSIMs from carriers like Airalo give unrestricted access and are highly recommended.
• e-CNY (Digital Yuan): China's central bank digital currency is increasingly accepted at the airport; kiosks are available to set up a temporary e-CNY wallet for foreign visitors.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Since December 18, 2024, China extended its transit visa exemption to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of 54 designated countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, UK, and most EU nations. This is a landmark policy that makes Shanghai extraordinarily attractive for stopovers. Requirements: valid passport (6+ months remaining), confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region with departure within 240 hours, and entry through PVG (or other participating ports).

Under the 240-hour policy, eligible travelers can leave the airport and freely visit Shanghai and a large surrounding area covering 24 provinces/municipalities without a Chinese visa. The visa-free transit counter is in the T2 arrivals area — transit passengers must apply before clearing immigration. This policy has dramatically increased PVG's appeal as a connecting hub and "free stopover" destination for travelers routing via Asia.

Lounges (Summary)

PVG has a comprehensive lounge network across T1, T2, S1, and S2. Best options by category:

• Best overall lounge: Cathay Pacific Business Lounge (T2) — the noodle bar is exceptional; showers; excellent design. For CX business class and oneworld Sapphire.
• Best SkyTeam lounge: China Eastern No. 77 VIP Lounge (S1 satellite) — flagship lounge with showers, terrace, noodle bar.
• Best pay-per-use / Priority Pass: Plaza Premium (T1 and T2, ¥ / PP access). First Class Lounge No.69 (T2, showers).
• Budget rest option: Hourly lounge in T2 (¥60/hr standard room); also sleep pods from ¥35/30 min.

Dining

PVG has 150+ food and beverage options across all four terminal buildings. Highlights: Din Tai Fung (T1 — famous Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings, a non-negotiable Shanghai food experience); Yang's Fried Dumplings (T1 — pan-fried dumplings, Chinese institution); Sunya Cantonese Restaurant (S1 4F); various hot pot, noodle, and rice options at all price points. International options include Starbucks (multiple), Burger King, and Ajisen Ramen. Duty-free shopping in the Satellite Hall includes SUNRISE Duty-Free and a full range of international luxury retail.

Medical Services

A medical clinic operates in the airport (T2 area). Emergency assistance is available 24/7 by calling the airport operations center. Pharmacies are available in the terminals. AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are positioned throughout all terminals. If experiencing a medical emergency, call 120 (Chinese emergency ambulance) or ask airport staff. Carry any prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, as Chinese customs may be strict about certain medications.

Luggage Storage

Staffed luggage storage counters are available in both T1 and T2 in the arrivals and departures areas. Items can be stored from 1 hour up to 2 months. Rates start at approximately ¥15/hour (~$2). Small items (backpacks) are cheaper than large suitcases. No coin lockers in the traditional sense — all storage is staffed. Useful for passengers with the 240-hour visa-free transit who want to explore Shanghai without carrying luggage.

Accessibility

PVG is modern and well-designed for accessibility. Elevators, escalators, and ramps are throughout all four terminal buildings. Wheelchair assistance is available from all airlines — request when booking. Special assistance counters are in T1 and T2 arrivals. All APM people movers (to satellite halls) are fully accessible. Accessible parking in all on-site lots. Assistance hotline for passengers with reduced mobility: contact the airport information line.

Terminal 3 (Under Construction)

Work began on PVG's Terminal 3 on January 6, 2021. When complete, T3 will have capacity for 50 million additional annual passengers, pushing PVG's total toward 130 million by 2030. T3 is planned for the south side of the airfield. Multiple metro and public transport lines are being extended to serve T3. No confirmed opening date has been announced as of early 2026; the project is expected to open in phases in the late 2020s–early 2030s.

Airlines and Route Network

PVG is dominated by its two home carriers — China Eastern Airlines (MU) and its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines (FM) — which together account for approximately 40–50% of seat capacity at the airport. China Eastern is a SkyTeam member and operates the full range from dense domestic short-haul to ultra-long-haul international routes. Shanghai Airlines primarily serves domestic and regional East Asian destinations. Air China (CA, Star Alliance) uses PVG as a secondary hub alongside its primary Beijing Capital base.

PVG's international network is among the most comprehensive in Asia, with direct connections to every major world city. The 2024 expansion added 10 new destinations and increased frequency on 19 existing routes, with a particular emphasis on Belt and Road Initiative countries and re-established post-COVID European/North American services.

Key Airlines by Alliance/Terminal

Terminal 1 — SkyTeam and affiliated:
China Eastern Airlines (hub), Shanghai Airlines (hub), Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Qantas (selected), China Southern (selected)

Terminal 2 — Star Alliance:
Air China, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airlines, SWISS, Scandinavian Airlines

Terminal 2 — oneworld:
Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Finnair, American Airlines, Iberia, Malaysia Airlines

Terminal 2 — Independent international:
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, United Airlines, EVA Air, China Airlines (Taiwan), Royal Brunei, Hainan Airlines (selected)

Key International Routes from PVG (2024 Top Markets)

Top domestic routes from PVG: Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU), Xi'an (XIY), Kunming (KMG), Shenzhen (SZX), Chongqing (CKG), Qingdao (TAO), Sanya (SYX), Xiamen (XMN). Domestic Chinese aviation is extremely dense and competitive — most major routes have 10–20+ daily frequencies between all major carriers.

Cargo hub: PVG is Asia's top express cargo hub. FedEx, UPS, DHL, China Cargo Airlines (CK, cargo arm of China Eastern), SF Express (Chinese domestic express giant), and EMS all operate dedicated cargo facilities. The DHL Asia-Pacific hub (opened 2012) is reportedly the largest express hub in Asia.

Distances from PVG International Airport

Passenger Traffic and Key Metrics

2024 was a landmark year for PVG: the airport handled 76,787,039 passengers — a 41% year-on-year increase that shot the airport from #21 in 2023 to #10 globally for the first time in its history. International passenger volume reached 35.25 million, confirming PVG as mainland China's busiest international gateway by a wide margin. The monthly peak was 7.52 million (October 2024); the all-time peak moved to 7.95 million in August 2025. PVG's transfer rate (connecting passengers as a share of total traffic) reached a record 15.7% in 2024, up from single digits in earlier years — reflecting deliberate investment in positioning PVG as a transit hub rather than purely an origin-destination airport.

The COVID-19 impact on PVG was uniquely severe: China maintained near-total closure of international borders until early 2023, meaning PVG went from 76.2 million passengers in 2019 to a catastrophic nadir of just 42,600 passengers in April 2022 — a figure a major airport might typically handle in a single hour. The recovery has been full and then some: calendar 2024 traffic of 76.8 million essentially matched 2019, and 2025 appears set to break that record. Shanghai's dual-airport system (PVG + Hongqiao) handled 124+ million passengers in 2024 combined — a 29% year-on-year increase and a new record.

Cargo: approximately 4.1–4.2 million tonnes in 2024 — consistently one of the world's top 3 cargo airports. FedEx, UPS, and DHL express operations here dwarf most other Asian cargo hubs. Aircraft movements: approximately 475,000–500,000 in 2024 (recovering toward the 2019 level of ~480,000). The airport operates 5 parallel runways capable of handling Code F aircraft (A380, B747-8).