Inside the World’s Largest Airport Terminal: Surprising Empty Spaces
BEIJING- Inaugurated in 2019, Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is set to receive over 100 million travelers by 2040.
Stefan Dury, a pilot and travel vlogger, explored the expansive terminal of Beijing Daxing International Airport, which currently has a relatively low passenger volume.
Designed by the famed architect Zaha Hadid, this airport aims to optimize the efficiency of arrivals and departures.
The airport covers a vast area of 2,679 hectares, equipped with 82 boarding gates and five runways; four dedicated to commercial flights and one designated for military operations with top-notch security.
Plans are in motion to transform this gigantic terminal into the busiest airport worldwide, with projections indicating over 100 million passengers by 2040.
Beijing Daxing Airport: The World’s Largest Terminal
Stefan Dury has produced a detailed video regarding the airport. In it, he mentions, “The security measures at Beijing Daxing International Airport are notably rigorous.”
He elaborated, “Security personnel are visible at each corner, including the taxi areas, and thorough checks are conducted for entry. It creates a secure atmosphere, beneficial for the aviation sector.”
Interestingly, Dury observed a surprising absence of travelers. After passing through security and entering the shopping zone, he noted, “A number of retail shops appear closed, and overall activity seems low.”
This lack of foot traffic is largely because many travelers continue to prefer Beijing Capital Airport, which is closer to the city center. However, an express train departs from Caoqiao Station every six and a half minutes, ensuring a swift journey of just 19 minutes to the airport.
Futuristic Architectural Features
Commonly referred to as the Beijing New Airport, Daxing International Airport covers about 700,000 square meters and stands as the world’s largest single-building terminal, boasting China’s longest walkways.
Situated approximately 28.5 miles (46 km) south of Beijing, the terminal’s design resembles that of a six-legged octopus, which has led to its alternative nickname, “the starfish.”
The terminal features about 1,000,000 square meters of space, housing an expansive central area and six concourses that emulate an octopus’s limbs. The sixth concourse includes a service building with offices and a hotel, encircled by two parking structures.
Stefan Dury expressed his astonishment, saying, “I don’t believe I’ve seen anything like this in a security-controlled area at an international airport before.”
The entire complex is equipped with air conditioning and integrates cultural elements, including a large Chinese garden with a variety of fish swimming in it.
Estimated Construction Cost
The airport’s official site reveals that after five years of development, the estimated construction expenditure amounted to 80 billion Chinese yuan (approximately US$11.4 billion).
This facility is recognized as the largest single-building terminal globally. In 2020, it earned accolades for superior hygiene and size among regional airports. Additionally, Airports Council International honored it with the 2021 Voice of the Customer award.
While established airports like Dubai International (DXB) and Atlanta Airport (ATL) continue to handle the most traffic, Daxing International’s minimalist yet elegant design, combined with groundbreaking features, makes it an impressive marvel in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
