Dalian Jinzhou Bay: The World’s Largest Airport on an Artificial Island

China is constructing the world’s largest airport on a man-made island, the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, located off the northeast coast. The airport will occupy a 20 square kilometer island, featuring four runways and a passenger terminal covering 900,000 square meters.

While planning for the airport began in 2003, substantial construction only began recently. Scheduled for completion by 2035, the airport aims to accommodate 80 million passengers annually, handling 540,000 flights, according to an official statement.

Upon completion, the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport will surpass Hong Kong International Airport and Japan’s Kansai Airport to become the largest artificial island airport in the world.

“The country’s largest offshore airport is rising slowly from the sea level like the sunrise in the east,” the statement said.

This ambitious project faces considerable challenges, including complex geological conditions and a tight construction timeline, as highlighted by Li Xiang, the chief engineer of the development company.

Dalian, a city of 7.5 million people, has been a vital transportation hub, owing to its proximity to Japan and South Korea. Its existing international airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi, has reached full capacity despite numerous expansions, leading to the need for this new facility.

China is poised to become the largest aviation services market by 2043, overtaking North America and Europe. Its aviation market is projected to grow from $23 billion in 2024 to $61 billion.

In 2024, China’s aviation sector hit a new record with 700 million passengers, the highest number ever recorded. The services market grew by 24 percent year-on-year, increasing from $18.6 billion in 2023 to $23 billion, driven by enhanced connectivity between international hubs and domestic routes.

By 2043, China is expected to operate 11,160 aircraft, with 9,520 new deliveries, representing 20 percent of global demand. Over 26 percent of these new planes will replace older fleets, contributing to a projected 5.1 percent annual growth in the country’s aviation services.