China Unveils World’s Largest Artificial Island Airport, Twice the Size of Heathrow

China is making remarkable strides in reshaping its aviation landscape with the construction of the world’s largest airport built on a man-made island.

Located off the country’s northeast coast, the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport is set to become a monumental hub, designed to meet the growing demand for air travel as China’s aviation market continues to soar.

Once completed, this ambitious project will not only redefine China’s air travel infrastructure but also solidify its position as a global aviation powerhouse.

The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport spans an impressive 20 square kilometers on a specially constructed island in the Jinzhou Bay, making it the largest airport of its kind in the world. The airport will feature four state-of-the-art runways and a massive 900,000 square meter passenger terminal, setting a new standard for aviation facilities.

The planning for this airport began in 2003, but substantial construction work only started in recent years, with the final phase of the project expected to be completed by 2035.

Once fully operational, the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport is projected to handle up to 80 million passengers annually, with more than 540,000 flights flying in and out of the airport every year.

This will place the airport at the forefront of China’s booming aviation industry, which is on track to become the world’s largest air travel market, surpassing the United States. According to official statements, China will need around 450 airports by 2035 to meet the rapid growth in passenger demand, a striking increase from the current number of airports.

For comparison, Hong Kong’s airport, HKG, occupies 12.48 square kilometers, and Japan’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) spans just 10.5 square kilometers. In contrast, London’s Heathrow Airport, the largest in the UK, covers 12.3 square kilometers.

Located just a few hours away by flight from Japan and South Korea, the airport’s strategic position will make it a prime base for travelers heading to the Asia-Pacific region, further boosting its appeal as a key international hub.

By 2043, China is expected to operate over 11,160 aircraft, with more than 9,500 new deliveries, accounting for 20% of the global demand. A significant portion of this growth will come from the replacement of older fleets, which will ensure the country’s aviation services rise by 5.1% annually.