Shanxi is to improve and expand its network of airports in 2017, in accordance with the national China Civil Aviation Development Plan for the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).
In 2017, the province will build an airport in Shouzhou and continue with the construction of an airport in Linfen, as well as expand its existing airports in Taiyuan, Changzhi, and Datong.
As one of Shanxi's busiest travel hubs, Taiyuan Wusu International Airport is key to the expansion. Currently, the 588.73-hectare airport operates 126 travel routes, transporting some 12 million passengers to 75 cities annually.
As of 2017, improvement work will begin on the airport's runways and taxiways, as well as its two terminals and apron facilities, according to an airport official. An additional 64 aircraft bays and stands will be constructed, as well as a 12,000-square-meter freight warehouse, which will also serve as a customs depot.
An official for the airport said that it will cooperate with airlines to provide free accommodation for passengers who need to wait to transfer to rail and bus services.
