Xi'an airport's T5 terminal opens
On 20 February 2025, Terminal 5 of Xi'an Xianyang International Airport went into operation — the country's first airport terminal built around a garden, and a big change to how you arrive and depart.
- Who it affects
- All travellers using Xi'an Xianyang Airport, especially those on international flights now based at T5.
- What to do
- Check your airline's terminal before setting out and arrive 3 hours early for international flights.
On 20 February 2025, Terminal 5 (T5) of Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) opened. It is the airport's largest terminal — the first phase alone spans 700,000 m², and it is built around a Tang-dynasty garden at its heart, with a rooftop view of the runways and a museum of Shaanxi's heritage inside the departures area.
What travellers need to know:
- Which airlines moved: T5 is now the base for international flights and several domestic carriers — check your airline or boarding pass before setting out. The old T1/T2/T3 cluster remains in service.
- Getting between terminals: a free shuttle runs between the T1/T2/T3 cluster and T5 every 10–15 minutes, and Metro Line 14 now serves both — the airport's T5 stop is one stop east of Airport West.
- Time: T5 is huge — allow extra time for check-in and security, and arrive 3 hours before international flights.
The opening roughly doubled the airport's capacity and is part of Xi'an's push to become a true international hub — see our airport guide for the full arrival and departure walkthrough.
Related guide
Read the full guide