Dachuan Airport (DAX)

Dazhou Heshi Airport (DAX), located in the Sichuan Province of China, has a long history as a key regional aviation facility serving the city of Dazhou. For decades, it functioned as a primary domestic hub, connecting the region to major national centers. However, in May 2022, commercial airline operations were officially transferred to the newer and larger Dazhou Jinya Airport. Following this transition, Heshi Airport underwent a strategic reorganization and reopened in December 2023 as a dedicated general aviation airport. The airport's infrastructure is centered around a single passenger terminal building that once managed a steady flow of scheduled commercial traffic. The layout remains well-maintained and functional, featuring a consolidated ground-floor area for check-in, security, and passenger staging. Today, these facilities are utilized by private pilots, corporate charter services, and aviation training schools. The compact design of the terminal is particularly advantageous for general aviation, allowing for rapid transit times between arrival at the airfield and aircraft boarding. Strategically, the transition to a general aviation focus has allowed DAX to become a specialized center for pilot training and emergency services in northern Sichuan. The airport supports a variety of small-scale operations, including aerial photography, agricultural aviation, and medical transport flights. Its location just 12 kilometers from downtown Dazhou ensures that it remains an accessible and valuable asset for the local business community and government administration, providing a professional alternative to the larger commercial hub at Jinya. Travelers and pilots using the facility will find essential services such as aircraft refueling and basic maintenance support. While the terminal no longer hosts the large-scale retail and dining options found during its peak commercial years, it provides a quiet and professional environment for private aviation. The airfield continues to operate under the management of regional aviation authorities, ensuring that it maintains high safety and operational standards as a key node in the growing general aviation network of southwest China.