China Builds World’s Largest Man-Made Island Airport Near Dalian

China is constructing the world's largest man-made island airport, the Dalian Jinzhouwan Bay International Airport, which will span 20 square kilometers off the country's northeast coast. Expected to open partially in 2035 with initial passenger capacity of 43 million annually, the airport's capacity is projected to eventually reach 80 million passengers per year, surpassing major airports like Hong Kong International and Japan's Kansai Airport. The airport will feature four runways and aims to address capacity and safety limitations of the existing Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport, which is constrained by mountainous terrain and has reached its operational limits. Despite significant engineering challenges including complex geological conditions and tight construction schedules, the project is progressing as part of China's broader infrastructure expansion. Separately, Saudi Arabia is building the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, designed by Foster + Partners, which will cover 22 square miles and accommodate up to 120 million passengers by 2030, with plans to increase to 185 million by 2050 as part of the country's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. These developments mark a global surge in large-scale airport construction to meet rising air travel demand post-pandemic.