BEIJING DAXING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, BEIJING, CHINA

BIG, BIGGER, DAXING

Opened at the end of September 2019, Beijing Daxing International Airport not only turns heads thanks to its futuristic shape and sheer size – the complex roof drainage system also impresses as well. As is commonly known, China has experienced massive economic growth in recent years. As a result, the number of business travellers has also increased. It is thus not surprising that Beijing Airport, which was built back in 1958, was no longer able to cope with the increasing passenger numbers – despite capacity increase in 2008. As further expansion was notpossible, a second airport had to be built for international traffic.

UNMISTAKABLE DESIGN

Zaha Hadid Architects was tasked with designing the new airport. When these world-renowned architects give a building their hallmark design, it is sure to get people talking – and this was no different when it came to Beijing Daxing International Airport. Due to its unusual design, the building structure resembles a huge starfish when looked at from above. Meanwhile,the building shell – which shimmers in bronze in the sunlight – also plays its part.

GIGANTIC DIMENSIONS

Construction of the 780,000 m² airport took five years,and its size is by no means the only impressive thing. A sophisticated concept separates arrivals and departures.While two floors are used for processing incoming domestic and international flights, two further floors are dedicated to processing the departures.The airport has four runways, with the possibilityof a further three as part of further expansions. The airport operator estimates up to 72 million passengers will travel through the airport per year by 2025.These passengers can enjoy seamless onward travel thanks to the many train and underground lines and public buses.