Jakarta, Indonesia sentinel — China is once again capturing global attention with its latest ambitious infrastructure project in the aviation world. China construction of Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, poised to become the world’s largest airport built on an artificial island.
According to CNN Travel, the airport is being built on a 20-square-kilometer artificial island. It is not only expected to become a major transportation hub but also a symbol of China’s technological and infrastructural advancement.
Designed to feature four runways and a 900,000-square-meter passenger terminal, the mega-project aims to handle 80 million passengers annually through approximately 540,000 flights. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by 2035.
“The largest offshore airport in the country is slowly emerging from sea levels such as sunrise in the east,” wrote Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport’s official account on WeChat’s social media platform, as cited from VoA.
Largest Artificial Island Airport
Once completed, Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport will surpass the size of Hong Kong International Airport (12.48 square kilometers) and Japan’s Kansai Airport (10.5 square kilometers), solidifying its status as the largest artificial island airport in the world.
The airport is strategically positioned in Dalian, a key port city which has long been an important transportation hub connecting Japan and South Korea. Its initial terminal design is expected to accommodate 43 million passengers annually, with capacity upgrades planned to eventually handle 80 million passengers and 1 million tons of cargo per year.
With an estimated cost of $4.3 billion, the airport is projected to boost regional economic growth while addressing the limitations of Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, which has operated for nearly a century.
China Ambitious Airport Project
However, the ambitious project is not without challenges. Airports built on artificial islands face significant risks, including potential isolation if critical access points, such as bridges, are disrupted by earthquakes, typhoons, or accidents.
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Despite these concerns, the Chinese government remains optimistic. The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport is seen as a cornerstone project in China aviation strategy, further solidifying the nation’s position as a global leader in the aviation industry.
The construction of Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport is part of China great strategy to expand its aviation sector. With 22 new airport currently under construction across China, including Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, the country is preparing to meet the surging demand for air travel, which is projected to make China the world’s largest air travel market by 2035.
(Raidi/Agung)
