Zhuhai Airport preparing now for escalated capacity

Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport will be able to handle 198,000 flights, 27.5 million passengers, and 104,000 tons of cargo and mail annually by 2027 when a second terminal and 25 additional aircraft parking stands are in place.

The new capacity is called for in response to surging passenger throughput, which reached 11.22 million last year. The current terminal, with a designed capability of 12 million passengers, is on the brink of saturation.

A feasibility report for the 4.8-billion-yuan ($698-million) expansion was recently approved by the Zhuhai Development & Reform Bureau.

Construction on the 190,000-sq-m (47-acre) seabird-shaped Terminal II is to begin this year. It will integrate transport functions with culture, science, and technology, while highlighting intelligent and green concepts.

A special feature will be a Transfer Hall to form a key part of the Integrated Service Center. It will allow outbound travelers to check in, register luggage, and go through security check before entering the waiting lounge directly through an airside concourse.

Meanwhile, inbound travelers can access the taxi waiting area, coach terminal, private vehicle parking lot, and rail transit transfer hall from the Arrival Hall on the first floor of Terminal II. The seamless transfer will increase efficiency and improve passenger experience.

Furthermore, the Zhuhai Transport Bureau will work on the opening of international air routes and develop the airport's ground connection with the planned Jinhai and Jingang bridges and North Airport Road.