Wartime History
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Hankow Airfield was used by the Chinese Air Force (CAF). On May 20, 1938 six TB-3 heavy bombers in Chinese markings manned by Soviet air crews took off from Hankow Airfield on a mission to overfly Japan, dropping propaganda leaflets and taking photographs. The bombers flew over Fukuoka, Nagasaki (photographing Battleship Musashi under construction) and Sasebo. Afterwards, all land safely returned to Hankow Airfield.

Later, occupied by the Japanese and expanded with two runways. The first runway was oriented north-south and measured 1,550m. The second runway was oriented east-west and measured 1,450m. Used by the Japanese Army Air Field (JAAF) until the end of the Pacific War in September 1945.

Japanese units based at Hankow
25th Sentai (Ki-43, Ki-84) - September 1945
59th Sentai (Ki-27) November 1938 - September 1939 Saienjo

Attacked by Allied aircraft from the middle of 1942 until the end of the Pacific War. On January 14, 1945 subjected to a heavy air raid by the 14th Air Force when the 48th Sentai and 25th Sentai suffered heavy losses including the loss of the Lt. Iwataro Hazawa, who was shot down and killed by P-51 Mustangs from the 118th TRS, 23rd FG.

American missions against Hankow
July 1, 1942–August 2, 1945

Postwar
In 1948, Hankow Airfield was closed and later resumed use as an as Wang Jia Dun Airport further expanded and renamed Hankow Airport (Hankow City Airport).

Today
Hankow Airport (Hankow City Airport) remained in use until 2007 when Wuhan Tian-he Airport (Wuhan Tianhe Airport) was enlarged to become Tian-he International Airport (Tianhe Airport). Airport code: ICAO: WJD.

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Last Updated
April 19, 2021