In an ambitious project of , China is embarking on the construction of an artificial island that is set to house the largest airport in the world. Located in the bay of Jinzhou, this colossal achievement will span 20 square kilometers and aims to transform the city of Dalian into a hub for air travel by 2035. With infrastructure designed to accommodate up to 80 million passengers per year, this initiative reflects China’s growing aspirations on the global stage while posing significant environmental challenges.
An outrageous ambition off the coast of Dalian
In the bay of Jinzhou, China, a bold project is taking shape with the construction of an artificial island that will host the largest airport in the world. Dalian Jinzhouwan, covering an area of 20 square kilometers, aims to transform this coastal region into a true air travel hub by 2035, with a planned capacity of 80 million passengers per year. However, this colossal construction raises major questions about the environmental impact and repercussions on the local ecosystem.
A titanic project: the Dalian Jinzhouwan airport
Located off the coast of Dalian in northeastern China, Dalian Jinzhouwan stands as a monument to modern engineering. Set to become the world’s largest island airport, it will consist of four runways and a gigantic terminal covering 900,000 m². This ambitious project aims to make Dalian a key strategic point for commercial and tourist exchanges in East Asia.
Designed to accommodate up to 80 million passengers each year, this airport responds to a clear intention from the Chinese authorities to strengthen the country’s air connectivity. The challenge of this construction in open sea is significant: millions of tons of sand and rocks are being mobilized to stabilize the artificial island. Additionally, a 21-kilometer long dam is under construction to protect this platform from the ocean’s whims.
The ecological stakes of a colossal construction site
However, beyond the technical prowess, the Dalian Jinzhouwan construction site does not have unanimous support. The construction of artificial islands raises serious questions about its ecological impact. Ecologists are concerned about the potentially irreversible consequences for the marine fauna and flora of Jinzhou Bay. Indeed, the massive extraction of materials to erect this platform has already caused disturbances in the local ecosystems.
The effects of the construction work are numerous: they modify ocean currents and increase the risk of erosion of the surrounding coasts. Although the Chinese authorities have highlighted initiatives to limit the environmental impact, such as the restoration of artificial reefs, the scientific community remains skeptical about the effectiveness of such measures.
The promises of economic development against environmental challenges
Dalian, once focused on maritime trade, is now positioning itself as a key player in China’s economic development. Jinzhou Bay, little known a few years ago, could become a symbol of national ambition: to combine engineering and economic growth while navigating through an environmental challenge context.
Indeed, the construction of the Dalian Jinzhouwan airport reveals the paradoxes of growth in China. On one hand, the country demonstrates a fascinating capacity to innovate and develop infrastructures; on the other hand, it must consider the issues of sustainability and ecosystem preservation. Can we really build the infrastructures of tomorrow while preserving our planet? The answers to this question could prove crucial for the future of such projects.
