T3 of Sanya Phoenix Airport completes construction

Terminal 3 of Sanya Phoenix International Airport passed its final construction acceptance inspection on Oct 30, marking a significant step towards operational readiness for the airport's third-phase expansion project. As a key pilot project for the Hainan Free Trade Port airport cluster, the new terminal will substantially enhance the airport's overall capacity.

The expansion addresses the urgent need to accommodate growing passenger traffic. In 2024, the airport handled over 21.43 million passengers, exceeding its designed capacity. With an area of approximately 120,000 square meters, Terminal 3 is designed to handle 18 million passengers annually. After the expansion, the airport's total capacity will reach 30 million passengers per year, alleviating the strain between rising demand and inadequate existing facilities.

Construction began in May 2024 and was completed in approximately a year and a half. The project overcame challenges such as coordinating multiple teams working simultaneously by utilizing smart construction technologies, including 5G and 3D laser scanning, for efficient management and precision control. The three-story terminal will feature 40 check-in counters, 23 security channels, and 15 boarding bridges. A welcoming hall beneath the elevated road will integrate various transport options for efficient transfers.

The terminal's design incorporates customs supervision processes in advance, preparing it for the island-wide independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port. The airport will now proceed with special inspections, systems testing, and operational drills to ensure the safe and timely opening of Terminal 3, supporting the development of Hainan as an international tourism and consumption center.

An aerial view of Terminal 3 of the Sanya Phoenix International Airport. [Photo/Sanya Daily]