China is set to achieve another aviation milestone with the construction of the world's largest airport on a man-made island. The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, currently under construction off the country's northeast coast, will span a 20-square-kilometer island and feature four runways along with a massive 900,000-square-meter passenger terminal.
Upon completion, the airport aims to accommodate a staggering 80 million passengers annually through 540,000 flights. The first phase of the project is scheduled to open its doors in 2035, marking a significant development in China's aviation infrastructure.
The airport's operators have described the project as a symbol of progress, with a post on Chinese social media platform WeChat likening its emergence from the sea to a sunrise in the east. The construction process has not been without challenges, as highlighted by Li Xiang, chief engineer of Dalian Airport Construction and Development Co., Ltd., citing complex geological conditions and demanding construction requirements.
Dalian, a bustling city with a population of 7.5 million, has long served as a vital transport hub due to its strategic location near Japan and South Korea. The existing Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport has reached its capacity limits, prompting the need for a new aviation hub to cater to the city's growing air traffic demands.
The inception of the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport dates back to 2003, with construction gaining momentum in recent years. This ambitious project underscores China's commitment to expanding its aviation sector, as the country aims to surpass the United States and become the world's largest air travel market.
China's aviation growth is further exemplified by the recent opening of Beijing's Daxing Airport, which debuted on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. With plans for 450 airports by 2035 to meet escalating demand, China is poised to redefine the global aviation landscape with its innovative infrastructure projects.
