Work commences on new Shanghai Pudong terminal

Originally completed in 1999, Shanghai’s Pudong airport is now undergoing its third major expansion program to cope with the rapidly and originally unforeseen increase in passenger numbers which, for 2014, exceeded 51 million. Present plans include the construction of a 622,000m2 third terminal at a cost of US$3.18 billion which will cater for up to 38 million passengers, enabling the airport to deal with an increase in passenger numbers which are expected to reach 80 million per annum by 2025. Present construction is due to be completed by 2019.
Located approximately 19 miles to the east of Shanghai city center, Pudong Airport is the principal international airport serving China’s and the world’s largest city by population at 24 million. Its second airport, Hongqiao, is responsible predominantly for domestic flights.
These most recent expansion plans will also include supporting facilities in the terminal area and construction of dispatch control centers in order to meet increasing market demands expected with the anticipated opening of Shanghai Disney Resort this year.
Operated by Shanghai Airport Authority, Pudong underwent its first expansion phase which was completed in 2008, just in time for the Beijing Summer Olympic Games. This included the construction and opening of the second runway in 2005, followed three years later with the opening of a second terminal, a third runway and a cargo terminal.
In March this year the airport opened its fourth runway, increasing passenger capacity to 60 million and enabling two take-offs and two landings to take place simultaneously, while a fifth runway is under construction and is due for completion in 2018.