The main construction of the Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport Phase III expansion project is completed at Lanzhou, Gansu province, on July 31, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

On July 31, the main construction of the Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport Phase III expansion project was completed, marking a significant milestone. The project is now poised to enter the stages of specialized inspections, final acceptance, industry approval, and joint trial operations.

By the year of 2030, the project aims to accommodate an annual passenger throughput of 38 million, cargo and mail throughput of 300,000 tons, and 300,000 aircraft movements. The airport's flight area is classified as 4E, with an approved budget of 33.43 billion yuan ($4.64 billion).

The expansion encompasses the construction of two new runways, a 400,000-square-meter T3 terminal, and a 270,000-square-meter integrated transportation center. Complementary facilities for air traffic control, aviation fuel, and auxiliary production and living amenities are also included.

Ground was broken for the airport project on Sept 9, 2020, with airfield pavement works commencing on Oct 16. Construction of the T3 terminal, integrated transportation center, and ancillary facilities began on Dec 10, 2020, July 15, 2021, and Feb 21, 2022, respectively. To date, the project has seen a cumulative investment of 30.41 billion yuan ($4.22 billion), representing 90.94 percent of the total budgeted investment.