The China West Airport Group has begun a $6.8bn project to expand the Xi’an Xianyang International Airport near the city of Xi’an in northwest China. The aim is to nearly double passenger capacity to 83 million by 2030, slightly greater than the present capacity at London’s Heathrow.
The project, which has been approved by authorities in Shaanxi Province, will add two terminals, three runways, a 350,000 sq m ground transportation centre and an integrated Metro Station. It will also increase cargo capacity to 1 million tonnes.
The scheme will add 60,000 sq m of commercial space in a new-build fifth terminal, expected to be completed in 2024.
The present facility was completed in 1991 and covers 5 sq km, making it the second largest airport in northern China. Its passenger throughput in 2018 was 44.7 million passengers, ranking it seventh in the country. About 92% of travellers were from other cities in China.
The last expansion project added a third terminal and a second runway, both of which began operation in 2012. The scheme was partly designed by UK consultancy Design Solution.
The airport is operated as a joint venture between German company Fraport (24.5%), China Airport Investment (24.5%), China West Airport Group (50%) and Air Logistic (Xian).
Image: Xi’an Xianyang is the seventh busiest airport in China (Shimin/GFDL 1.2)
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