Beijing to build $11.2 billion international airport to handle jump in Chinese travelers

China’s State Council has approved plans for a much-needed new airport in Beijing, official Chinese media reported this week. Officials also approved a rail line connecting the airport to the city center.

Located in Daxing, a suburban district in southern Beijing, the airport will reportedly cost approximately RMB 70 billion (US$11.2 billion) and is scheduled to open in 2018.

Beijing Capital International Airport, the city’s current airport, has long been criticized for lack of infrastructure and constant delays in the context of China’s rapidly growing air travel demand.