China is embarking on a project to construct the world’s largest artificial island airport, the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport. This monumental undertaking is set to enhance the region’s transportation infrastructure and solidify Dalian’s status as a key transport hub in northeastern China.
Location and size
The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport will be built on a man-made island off the northeast coast of China, NDTV reported. Covering an area of 20 square kilometers (7.7 square miles), it will surpass the sizes of both Hong Kong International Airport (12.48 square kilometers) and Kansai International Airport in Japan (10.5 square kilometers), both of which are also situated on artificial islands.
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Facilities and capacity
The airport is designed to feature four runways and a passenger terminal that will span approximately 900,000 square meters (about 969,000 square feet). This extensive terminal is expected to handle up to 80 million passengers annually, significantly increasing the capacity compared to Dalian’s existing airport, which has reached its maximum operational limits after several expansions. The new airport will also be capable of managing around one million tonnes of cargo each year, further enhancing Dalian’s role in international trade.
Economic significance
Dalian, with a population of over 6 million, has long been a vital transportation and logistics hub due to its strategic location near Japan and South Korea. The new airport is expected to boost the local economy by facilitating increased trade and tourism. As Dalian continues to grow as a center for shipping, oil refining, and coastal tourism, the airport will play a crucial role in supporting these industries.
A step towards global leadership in aviation
This project aligns with China’s broader ambitions to expand its aviation infrastructure. The country is on track to surpass the United States and become the world’s largest air travel market by 2035. The construction of new airports, such as the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, is a critical component of this strategy, with officials estimating that China will need around 450 airports by that year to meet growing demand.
Construction challenges
The construction of the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport is not without its challenges. According to Li Xiang, the chief engineer of the Dalian Airport Construction and Development Co., Ltd., the project faces complex geological conditions and high drilling difficulties. These factors necessitate stringent quality control measures and a tight construction schedule to ensure timely completion.
Timeline and progress
While site selection and preliminary work began in 2003, significant construction efforts only commenced in recent years. As of August 2023, the project had made notable progress, including the completion of deep foundation treatments on a reclaimed area of 77,000 square meters. Plans for further land reclamation and the laying of terminal building foundations are also underway, with the first phase of the airport expected to open in 2035.
The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport represents a significant leap forward in China’s aviation capabilities and infrastructure development. By creating the world’s largest artificial island airport, China aims to enhance its transportation network, support economic growth in Dalian, and solidify its position as a global leader in air travel. As construction progresses, the project will not only transform the local landscape but also contribute to the broader ambitions of the Chinese aviation sector.
