Hefei is served by Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE), the primary airport for Anhui Province in Eastern China. It has grown into a significant domestic gateway with an expanding network of flights from across China and a modest but increasing number of international connections, mainly from East and Southeast Asia.
The most frequent and budget-friendly flights into Hefei come from major Chinese cities. Key departure points include Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), Chengdu (TFU), and Kunming (KMG). Internationally, Hefei receives direct flights from several regional hubs, such as Seoul (ICN), Bangkok (BKK), Singapore (SIN), Taipei (TPE), and Osaka (KIX), with occasional seasonal services from other Asian cities.
The market is competitive, with all major Chinese airlines flying into Hefei. China Eastern Airlines has a strong presence, leveraging its nearby Shanghai hub. Air China, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines also offer extensive domestic and some international arrivals. Low-cost carrier Spring Airlines provides budget options on many domestic routes into Hefei. International service is delivered by a mix of Chinese carriers and foreign airlines like Korean Air and Thai AirAsia.
To find cheap flights to Hefei, book domestic arrivals 4-8 weeks in advance. For international routes from East or Southeast Asia, start searching 2-4 months ahead. Consider flying into Hefei via regional hubs like Bangkok or Seoul, which can offer lower connecting fares. Mid-week arrivals (Tuesday–Thursday) typically come with better prices. Hefei serves as a convenient and often more affordable alternative to the busy Shanghai airports for travelers heading to Anhui and eastern China, especially when comparing total journey time and ground transport costs.