China's New Mega-Hub: Xiamen Xiang'an Airport Prepares for Late 2026 Opening.
Key Points
- 1Phase one capacity targets 45 million passengers and 750,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
- 2Construction is in the critical final phase, including flight tests and completion acceptance, ahead of the late 2026 operation start.
- 3The new airport will replace the capacity-constrained Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) as the region's main hub.
- 4The project is a major component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, boosting regional aviation infrastructure.
The Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport project in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, has entered its critical final construction phase. This stage includes completion acceptance, flight tests, and calibration exercises. These steps are vital for the airport to receive final regulatory approval.
Aerial photos taken on January 20, 2026, show the extensive progress at the site. The massive new facility is preparing for a planned operation start in late 2026.
A Major Capacity Upgrade for China
This new airport is designed to replace the existing Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN). The current airport is constrained and cannot expand further. Xiamen Gaoqi handled nearly 28 million passengers in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for a larger facility.
The first phase of the Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport is a significant boost to commercial aviation infrastructure in the region. It is built on reclaimed land on Dadeng Island.
- Passenger Capacity: 45 million passengers annually.
- Cargo Capacity: 750,000 tonnes of cargo and mail throughput yearly.
- Movements: 380,000 aircraft take-offs and landings per year.
Future expansion plans are even more ambitious. The airport is projected to serve 62 million passengers by 2030. By 2040, capacity is expected to reach 85 million passengers and 2 million tonnes of cargo.
Impact on Regional and Global Aviation
The new airport is a key component of China's national strategy. It is recognized as an important project under the Belt and Road Initiative. The facility will act as a major regional airline hub.
The relocation from Xiamen Gaoqi to the Dadeng Island airport project will be a complex logistical undertaking. It requires meticulous planning for airlines and ground handlers.
XiamenAir, the main hub carrier at the current airport, will be the primary beneficiary. The move will allow the airline to significantly expand its domestic and international route network. The new airport features a 550,000 square meter terminal and two runways. It is designed to meet the highest 4F standard.
Regulatory oversight for the final stages falls to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Their final approval is needed after the flight tests and calibrations are complete. The successful opening of the Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport will solidify southeast China's Fujian Province as a critical gateway for air travel and logistics. The current Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport will shut down all civilian operations once the new facility commences.
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