China has announced plans for the world’s largest artificial island airport, a $4.3 billion project that will break records in scale and ambition. The new Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport will span 20 square kilometers, surpassing Hong Kong International Airport (12.48 sq km) and Japan’s Kansai International Airport (10.5 sq km). The airport, located in the northeastern port city of Dalian, is slated for completion in 2035.
Expanding Capacity with a Mega-Airport
The new airport will feature four runways and a sprawling 900,000-square-meter terminal capable of handling up to 80 million passengers annually in its final phase. In its early years, it is expected to serve 43 million passengers, alleviating pressure on Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport, which currently manages over 650,000 international passengers per year.
Advanced Engineering and Land Reclamation
Built on reclaimed land, the project uses cutting-edge techniques, with millions of cubic meters of sand and rock transforming marshlands into a stable foundation. By August 2024, deep groundwork for 77,000 square meters had been completed, with more reclamation and terminal foundation work underway. The island will eventually connect to the mainland via bridges and incorporate safeguards against earthquakes, storms, and shipping collisions.
A Catalyst for Dalian’s Growth
Dalian, home to six million residents and industries spanning logistics, shipping, oil refining, and tourism, is set to benefit significantly from the airport. The project highlights China’s broader infrastructure push, with 22 airport developments nationwide, totaling $19.6 billion in investments.
Once marshlands known locally as “smelly waters,” Dalian is rising as a hub of connectivity and growth, with Jinzhouwan poised to become the world’s largest artificial island airport.
