Huai'an Lianshui International Airport kicked off its Phase III expansion on June 15.

With a total investment of about 4.2 billion yuan, the project plans to build the T2 terminal of 65,000 sqm and a new 3,600m runway, increase cargo storage capacity by 10,000 sqm and an international cargo zone of 4,000 sqm.

The three-pronged expansion project is scheduled to be fully operational by 2025.

A key initiative included in the national civil aviation development planning, the project is also a major endeavor in Jiangsu this year. The expansion will greatly enhance the airport’s service capacity, help Huai'an host industrial clusters, and also advance the city’s development. The project will accelerate the incorporation of northern Jiangsu area into the Yangtze River Delta region that is currently pursuing integrated development, a national strategy.