China is set to build the largest artificial island airport globally, located in Dalian, to bolster regional trade and transportation. The new Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport, currently under construction, will span a vast 20 square kilometers (7.72 square miles), surpassing both Hong Kong International Airport (12.48 sq km) and Japan’s Kansai International Airport (10.5 sq km), both situated on artificial islands.
According to the Liaoning provincial government, the airport’s development will not only strengthen Dalian’s role as a key transportation hub but also boost its position in international trade, particularly with neighboring Japan and South Korea. Dalian, a major port city with over 6 million residents, is strategically located at the northern end of the Bohai Strait. It serves as a central point for industries such as oil refineries, shipping, logistics, and coastal tourism.
China’s First Fully Offshore Airport
Jinzhouwan will be the first airport in mainland China to be constructed entirely on an artificial island. The project is ambitious, with plans for four runways and a massive terminal covering 900,000 square meters (9.69 million square feet). The terminal will initially accommodate 43 million passengers annually—more than double the capacity of the existing Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport. Long-term plans envision expansion to handle up to 80 million passengers per year. Additionally, once fully operational, the airport is expected to manage up to one million tonnes of cargo annually.
The construction cost for the entire project is estimated at $4.3 billion, with completion scheduled for 2035. As of August, preliminary work on a 77,000-square-meter reclamation area has been completed, and further land reclamation and foundation work for the terminal are in progress.
Addressing the Limitations of the Current Airport
The current Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport, which opened nearly a century ago during Japanese occupation, has reached its maximum capacity despite several expansions. Last year, it handled approximately 658,000 international passengers. However, its location in a valley surrounded by mountains poses significant navigation challenges, especially in adverse weather conditions. Aviation consultant Li Hanming noted the risks posed by the airport’s geography, which can make flights dangerous during harsh weather.
Challenges of Island Airports
While Jinzhouwan promises to be a significant improvement for Dalian’s air transport infrastructure, experts like Li Hanming caution that island airports come with their own set of challenges. He highlighted the vulnerability of such airports to natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, or ship accidents, especially when linked to land by a single bridge. This makes them prone to potential disruptions.
China’s Expanding Infrastructure Footprint
The construction of Jinzhouwan is part of China’s broader efforts to expand its infrastructure. In 2024, 22 new airports, worth a collective $19.6 billion, are under development across the country, according to the CAPA Centre for Aviation. These projects are designed to enhance regional connectivity and support China’s growing trade and transportation needs.
Once completed, the Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport is poised to significantly enhance regional connectivity, positioning Dalian as a major air transport and trade hub.
, surpassing both Hong Kong International Airport (12.48 sq km) and Japan’s Kansai International Airport (10.5 sq km), both situated on artificial islands.){kind=link}