China Express Airlines
A Chinese scheduled regional airline focused on linking Chongqing and other inland hubs with secondary cities using regional jets.
About China Express Airlines
Founded in 2006, China Express Airlines is a scheduled carrier based in the People’s Republic of China. It developed as a specialist regional airline, concentrating on connections between major inland gateways and smaller cities that may have limited nonstop service. Its Chinese identity is commonly rendered as Huaxia Airlines, while G5 is used as its IATA designator.
Chongqing is the airline’s primary hub and its busiest departure point. Guiyang, Ordos/Dongsheng, Lanzhou and Dalian are also important operating cities. The network comprises 86 routes serving 36 domestic destinations, including Handan, Luoyang, Nanning, Taiyuan, Wuzhou, Anqing and Beihai, with a strong emphasis on western, northern and central China.
Aircraft associated with the airline’s regional operations include the Canadair Regional Jet 200 and the larger Canadair Regional Jet 900. These narrow-cabin regional jets are suited to thinner routes and airports where demand does not require a full-size mainline aircraft. Cabin layouts and service inclusions can vary, so travellers should check the fare conditions and aircraft shown during booking.
China Express Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Travellers should not assume that tickets automatically earn miles with a major global alliance programme, and any eligibility for rewards or partner benefits should be confirmed for the specific fare. Through-ticketing, lounge access and baggage arrangements can also depend on the individual itinerary and operating carriers.
The airline’s principal strength is its coverage of secondary Chinese cities, which can reduce the need to backtrack through larger coastal hubs. The trade-off is that regional schedules may offer fewer daily alternatives than trunk routes, while smaller jets generally provide less cabin and overhead-bin space. Allowing a sensible connection buffer is prudent, particularly on multi-sector journeys.
Good to know
Flying with China Express Airlines — what to expect
Regional Jet Cabins
Many services use regional jets with narrower cabins and more limited overhead storage than larger mainline aircraft. Pack compactly and keep essential items in a small personal bag.
Domestic Network Focus
The airline concentrates on domestic Chinese routes, particularly links involving inland and secondary cities. It can be useful when larger carriers require a connection through a distant hub.
Check Fare Conditions
Baggage, ticket changes and refunds depend on the fare purchased. Review the rules displayed during booking rather than assuming that every economy ticket includes the same benefits.
Allow Connection Time
Regional routes may have fewer backup departures if a flight is disrupted. Leave a comfortable buffer when connecting, especially when separate tickets or different airlines are involved.
Verify Operating Aircraft
Aircraft assignments can change, affecting seat layout and cabin space. Check the latest flight details before departure if seat position or onboard comfort is important.
Network overview
Where China Express Airlines flies
China Express Airlines operates 86 routes to 36 destinations across 1 countries, its longest sector reaching Chongqing to Dongying (1,419 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities China Express Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Chongqing → Dongying
1,419 km · CKG → DOY
The longest sector in the China Express Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by China Express Airlines
Reviews of China Express Airlines
TripAdvisor · 2018–2018- 50
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 10
What travellers flew
Counted from the 1 review below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Smooth trip
First I was a bit skeptical because I never heard about that airline and there was little information on the internet. But since it was the only direct connection between Chongqing and Zhangjiajie and the price was very good I gave it a go. I was positively… See more surprised: The flight was punctual, nice staff and everything went smooth. Just note that you can only book directly with the airline if you speak Chinese because their website is Chinese only. I used an international booking website (opodo.com) which worked perfectly fine. Another useful information is that China Express departs at Chongqing airport from terminal 2. Almost all other airlines (international and domestic) depart from terminal 3. There are free buses connecting the terminals but you should plan some extra time if you have a connection with another airline.
See lessPosted October 2018 by martinLD1, St. Gallen
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
More from People's Republic of China
Other airlines based in People's Republic of China
FAQ
China Express Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Its busiest departure hubs, ranked by the number of routes, are Chongqing, Guiyang, Ordos/Dongsheng, Lanzhou and Dalian.
- China Express Airlines serves domestic destinations across China, with a focus on regional links from inland hubs. Notable cities include Chongqing, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Dalian, Nanning, Taiyuan, Luoyang, Handan, Anqing and Beihai.
- China Express Airlines serves exactly 36 destinations across 1 country and operates 86 routes.
- Carry-on limits can vary by fare and cabin, and regional jets may have restricted overhead-bin space. Confirm the current size and weight allowance on the airline’s website or booking confirmation before travel.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- The longest route is Chongqing to Dongying, covering about 1,419 km nonstop.
- China Express Airlines’s primary and busiest hub is Chongqing. Guiyang, Ordos/Dongsheng, Lanzhou and Dalian are also major departure points in its network.
- Fares are often lower when booked ahead for midweek travel outside major Chinese holidays and peak school breaks. Compare nearby dates because prices can change with demand and remaining seat inventory.