The third-phase expansion project of Lijiang Airport has entered a crucial sprint phase, with the goal of becoming operational by 2027, according to the project's construction headquarters.
From the newly built control tower, the three terminals—T1, T2, and T3—are all in view, with the new and old structures complementing each other, marking the growth of Lijiang's aviation industry.
From a small highland station to an international airport, the facility has witnessed Lijiang's transformation over 30 years. Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, located at an altitude of 2,224.8 meters, serves as a key aviation gateway for northwest Yunnan. When it opened in 1995, it had only one route and one flight, a true small highland airport. Over 30 years, driven by the booming tourism and cultural industry, the airport has continuously expanded and upgraded. It was officially renamed Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in 2013, marking its international development. By 2025, the airport's annual passenger throughput reached 8.63 million, serving over 100 cities, with 38 airlines operating 11 international routes, and cargo and mail throughput exceeding 16,700 tons, making it the second-largest international airport in Yunnan.
The airport's transformation is a vivid microcosm of Lijiang's urban development, with the airport and the city mutually empowering and thriving together, supporting the region's air gateway to the world.
The construction site is bustling with activity as the major project progresses steadily. As a key provincial and municipal infrastructure project, the 7.29 billion yuan third-phase expansion of Lijiang Airport is proceeding rapidly. The main structures of the T3 terminal, parking garage, and viaduct are complete, with interior decoration and electromechanical installation underway. Supporting buildings, including the boiler room, 110 kV substation, and staff dormitories, are also under construction. "This year, we have completed the acceptance and put into use several key projects, including 12 aircraft stands at the South Apron's North Bay and the resurfacing of the 3,000-meter runway," said Yang Lifang, Deputy Director of the general office of the construction headquarters. Since the start of construction, cumulative investment has reached 6.599 billion yuan, 90.48% of the total budget. Facing the complex conditions of high-altitude construction, the team has prepared contingency plans and dynamically adjusted construction schedules to meet milestones. Currently, work on the T3 terminal's interior decoration, the North Bay apron connection, airfield pavement, drainage systems, and support facilities is advancing simultaneously, with all fronts busy.
Behind the massive project are countless construction workers who have dedicated their efforts day after day. Welder Gu Jianli has been on the project for three years. "I am mainly responsible for on-site welding, and I feel a great sense of achievement watching the buildings rise," Gu said, expressing pride in participating in a key project for his hometown. Despite the hard work, he believes it is all worthwhile, knowing the airport will boost local tourism and economic development. Like Gu, many workers are painstakingly shaping the new airport on the highland.
Looking ahead to a million-passenger airport, the expansion will open new development space for Lijiang. Upon completion, the airfield will be upgraded to Class 4E, the runway extended to 3,500 meters, a new 99,500-square-meter T3 terminal added, and the number of aircraft stands increased to 51. The design annual passenger throughput will be 11 million, making it Yunnan's first million-passenger airport outside the provincial capital. The main structures of the T3 terminal, parking garage, and viaduct are already complete. Yang Lifang stated that the construction team will strictly manage the schedule, steadily advance acceptance tests and equipment commissioning, and complete all finishing work. After the upgrade, the airport will be capable of handling wide-body aircraft, with enhanced operational support, passenger capacity, and aircraft stand capacity, enabling more routes and larger aircraft. In the future, the upgraded airport will not only greatly facilitate travel and improve the passenger experience but also continue to attract domestic and international visitors, further invigorating Lijiang's cultural tourism and expanding its openness to the outside world, injecting strong momentum into the city's high-quality economic and social development.