The timetable for building Beijing second international airport has been confirmed and the construction is expected to be started before 2010, the last year of China's "Eleventh Five-Year" plan, but the specific site for it is still under consideration now, said Wang Shunchang, deputy director-general of General Administration of Civil Aviation of China on Mar. 7.

The two-runway Capital International Airport is constructing its third runway, which stretches 3,800 meters and is scheduled to be completed in 2007. Additionally, a new 900,000-square-meter terminal building will also be built.

The airport will be capable of handling the large flow of passengers during 2008 Beijing Olympic Games upon its completion. However, from a long-term point of view, Beijing must construct its second or even the third airport.

With regard to the site of the new airport, Wang said that various factors such as location, distance from urban area, condition of near space as well as geological conditions must be taken into consideration. "We welcome suggestions and ideas from experts and people from all walks of life," added Wang.

By People's Daily Online